Pacific Northwest 1998 An Online Guide to Plant Disease Control

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OSU Extension Office
 
Apple -- Apple Mosaic
See Also: Hop -- Virus Diseases ; and Rose -- Rose Mosaic
 
Cause: Apple mosaic disease is caused by Apple mosaic virus. There is no indication of field spread other than potentially through root grafting.
Symptoms: Affected leaves exhibit dramatic white banding patterns on the leaves of many cultivars. The distribution of symptomatic leaves may be erratic throughout the tree, or limited to a single limb. The number and severity of affected leaves also depends on seasonal temperatures, with the symptoms being more severe in years with moderate springtime temperatures. The disease can result in the loss of up to 40% of the crop depending on the cultivar.

Many leaves on only a few shoots may show symptoms.

Slightly different patterns can be seen from leaf to leaf.

 
Cultural control: The use of certified virus-tested (and found to be free of all known viruses) planting material is the preferred strategy for protection from this disease.
References:
Posnette, A. F. and Cropley, R. 1956. Apple mosaic viruses. Host reaction and strain interference. Journal of Horticultural Science 31:119-133.
Content edited by: Ken Eastwell on January 1, 2009
 
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