Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Accomplishments reported from different states were in general in three different categories.

1. Disease detection and survey. Reports from several states and Canada indicated that the molecular diagnostic tests for number of different viruses have been developed and/or improved. Sampling procedures and preparation also have been optimized for number of viruses of horticultural crops. Some of the viruses which were studied are Plum pox virus (PPV); Citrus tristeza virus (CTV); Grapevine leafroll associated virus (GLRaV) types 1, 2, 3 and 9; Pineapple mealybug wilt associated virus (PMWaV) 1, and 2. In particular the ELISA detection and distribution of PPV in dormant scion were studied and found that buds taken from field grown trees along with bark tissue from the basal end of the stick had highest virus titer. National PPV survey of 73,000 samples collected from Ontario and Nova Scotia was conducted and positive samples were found. The positive samples were infected with PPV-D strain. The same survey was conducted at the Clonal Genebank at Harrow, Ontario, and no PPV infections were found.

2. Reports of new viruses and other related research. Reports from several states and Canada indicated the discovery of new viruses or occurrence of known viruses in an area for the first time. These new viruses included: GLRaV-9, another virus in grapevine leafroll disease complex in family Closteroviridae, an unknown agent from black current in Canada showing virus-like symptoms on host plants, continued work on characterizing PMWaV 1 and 2 in Hawaii and discovery of two more potentially wilt associated viruses called PMWaV 3 and 4. Some known viruses were reported to be occurring in certain region for the first time. These viruses included: Grapevine rupestris vein feathering virus, Cherry virus A (CVA), Cherry necrotic rusty mottle virus (CNRMV), and Apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV) in California. Other reported research accomplishments were, the continuation of the investigation of cross protection of cherry trees to rugose mosaic using a mild strain of PNRSV; Continued work on the effects of peach latent mosaic viroid on 5 peach and nectarine cultivars; characterization of Cherry rasp leaf virus (CRLV) and production of antibodies for its detection; continued work on graft incompatibility of cherry trees on Gisela 6 rootstock and possibility of involvement of ACLSV.

3. Other reports. Report from Canada Food Inspection Agency‘‘s Center for Plant Health described the maintenance of their virus-tested repository and their therapy program for grape varieties and rootstocks. This program also tests for strawberry and blueberry materials. A report from Foundation Plant Services program at UC Davis and its mission and function. Report on certification and micropropagation program at NC State that handles blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and sweet potatoes. Report from South Carolina on the status of the certification program for the southeastern peach industry. An update on NRSP5 program.