Virus Diseases Infecting Almond Germplasm in Lebanon

Abstract

Cultivated and wild almond species were surveyed for virus diseases. Four viruses infected cultivated
almonds (Prunus dulcis): Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV), Prune dwarf virus (PDV), Apple chlorotic leaf spot
virus (ACLSV) and Apple mosaic virus (ApMV). Only ACLSV and ApMV were detected on wild almonds, (Prunus
orientalis and P. korschinskii). The occurence of PNRSV or PDV on seeds used for the production of rootstocks, on
seedlings in nurseries, and on mother plants revealed the need for a certification program. There was no evidence for
the occurrence of Plum pox virus (PPV) or Tomato ringspot virus (ToRS).