TOMATO BUSHY STUNT VIRUS FROM PRUNUS AVIUM L.: I. FIELD STUDIES AND VIRUS CHARACTERIZATION

Abstract

Tomato bushy stunt virus was isolated apparently for the first time from naturally infected rosaceous plants. The virus was recovered from leaves, flower parts, seeds, and fruit flesh of sweet cherry trees growing in Ontario. Characteristic symptoms associated with the presence of the virus were pitted fruit flesh, veinal necrosis, leaf twisting, and severe shoot stunt. Orchard spread was not proved and the virus was not recovered from the soil or from orchard weeds. Results from tests on transmission by pollen and by Olpidium zoospores were also negative. The cherry isolate was distinguishable from the type strain in Datura and tomato. Both viruses appeared to have the same particle size and morphology, but differed slightly in their rates of sedimentation and in antigenic composition.