Tomato mosaic virus infection of red spruce on Whiteface Mountain, New York: prevalence and potential impact

Abstract

Tomato mosaic tobamovirus (ToMV) was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the roots of red spruce (Picearubens Sarg.) on Whiteface Mountain, New York. Both virus incidence and concentration in the roots of red spruce vary by site and were greater in trees with little to moderate crown dieback than in trees with severe dieback. There was no significant association between virus incidence or concentration in the roots of red spruce and elevation on Whiteface Mountain. Multiple regression analysis of virus concentration in the roots, as the dependent variable, was performed against nine selected crown and root variables. In the final regression model, the number of live second-order nonwoody roots per length of first-order nonwoody root and length of the live crown were positively and negatively correlated, respectively, with virus concentration in the roots. These results suggest a complex epidemiology and a potentially significant impact of ToMV infection on the growth of red spruce on Whiteface Mountain.