CLOVER PHYLLODY AND STRAWBERRY GREEN PETAL DISEASES, CAUSED BY THE SAME VIRUS IN EASTERN CANADA

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to determine the relationship between clover phyllody and strawberry green petal diseases in Eastern Canada. Clover phyllody virus from naturally infected ladino clover (Trifolium repens L.) in Quebec was transmitted by Aphrodes bicinctus (Schrank) to strawberry (var. Redcoat and Sparkle) and ladino clover. Symptoms on infected strawberry were typical of green petal. Strawberry plants, naturally infected with green petal, were obtained from Kentville, N.S., La Pocatière, Que., and Charlottetown, P.E.I. The virus was transmitted to ladino clover, red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), and strawberry (vars. Redcoat, Guardsman, Senator Dunlap, and Grenadier) by A. bicinctus and to ladino clover and aster (Callistephus chinensis Nees) by Macrosteles fascifrons (Stal).On the basis of leafhopper transmission and symptomatology, it is concluded that clover phyllody and strawberry green petal diseases in Eastern Canada are caused by the same virus.