Plum Pox (PPV) Background

As the 2010 National Plum Pox survey begins to get underway, Agdia would like to review a few details regarding the background of plum pox and what is required for successful diagnosis.

The first detection of plum pox in the United States occurred in 1999 after identification of a symptomatic peach fruit. While this happens to be the first noted occurrence of plum pox in the US, the virus has been known to exist in various parts of the world since the early 1910’s. Along with the known existence of the virus comes the experience that peaches are not the only susceptible host. Strains of plum pox can cause disease in other stone fruits such as plums, apricots, cherries, nectarines, almonds, and other non-prunus species. Various combinations of hosts and strains can produce different levels of severity and symptoms. Regardless of the strain or host the plum pox virus can be economically devastating! Testing is necessary to ensure the integrity and value of our stone fruit industry.

Agdia’s product offering for the detection Plum pox virus, catalog number 31505, has been the tool of choice for successful detection of plum pox due to its ease of use and the ability to accurately identify the following major stains; PPV-D, PPV-M, PPV-C, PPV-EA, PPV-W, and PPV-Rec. The kit has been evaluated using the INRA - Bordeaux collection of PPV isolates at UMR Genomique, Development et pouvoir Pathogene, Virologie-IBVM, INRA, France.

While the plum pox kit, catalog 31505, may be new to some of you, the format and quality is that which you would expect from Agdia. Gone is the need for extended incubation times and 37 degree ovens! If you don’t intend on performing your own testing don’t worry… we’ve got you covered with our in-house Testing Service. Agdia’s Testing Service is the place for those seeking accurate and quick results.