Cherry mottle leaf

The causative agent of the disease is the Cherry mottle leaf virus (CMLV), which belongs to the genus Marafivirus. This viral pathogen primarily infects stone fruit trees, with sweet cherry (Prunus avium) being the most susceptible and economically significant host.

Symptoms of the infection manifest as leaf mottle, distortion, and puckering, which leads to reduced photosynthetic capacity. Infected trees often exhibit significant yield loss, as the fruit becomes small, delayed in ripening, and poor in quality, making them commercially unviable for harvest.

The biological life cycle of the virus is inextricably linked to its vector, the eriophyid mite Eriophyes cerasicola. These mites acquire the virus while feeding on infected plant sap and transmit it to healthy tissue, making the management of mite populations critical for controlling the disease spread.

The disease is favored by warm temperatures that support mite reproduction and the proximity of infected older trees to younger plantings. Once a tree is infected, the virus becomes systemic, spreading through the vascular system and preventing the tree from ever recovering, which necessitates long-term management.

Control strategies for Cherry mottle leaf focus on prevention and vector suppression. Key measures include:

• Utilizing certified virus-free rootstocks and scion wood for all new orchard plantings.
• Implementing rigorous acaricide programs to manage mite populations during the growing season.
• Regular inspection and immediate roguing of symptomatic trees to minimize inoculum sources.
• Maintaining isolation distances from wild or unmanaged Prunus species.
• Sterilizing pruning equipment to prevent mechanical transmission during orchard maintenance.