Fred Gildow/ West Virgina University Peaches with plum pox image:41748:0::0

Wayne County, NY - New York state Department of Agriculture and Markets has been notifying some Wayne County fruit growers that a virus, plum pox virus, has been found in Williamson, NY. Because that area is now under quarantine, no prunus trees can be imported or exported from that area.

Plum pox virus (PPV) is a viral disease that in time will render the tree useless for fruit bearing. The virus may occur sporadically and differ according to strain of PPV. Symptoms can be seen on the fruit in the form of ring spots, or on the leaves as yellowing veins or rings. As well, this virus affects other fruit trees in the stone fruit species (meaning fruits that have pits), include other fruits like nectarine, apricot and plum.

The virus is spread over short distances by aphids, by what's called "nonpersistant transmission". Aphids transmit the virus through a piercing-sucking mouthpart (stylet) that probes into the vascular tissue of plants while feeding. The virus sticks to the lining of the food canal and can be injected back into a healthy plant cell as the aphid moves from plant to plant. In order for the virus to successfully spread to a new host the aphid must: 1) feed on an infected plant, 2) acquire a sufficient amount of virus and, 3) fly immediately to a new host plant for transmission. The virus can only live in the aphids mouth for one hour.

Fidele Noto, a fruit grower, has already had his orchards checked for the disease but none was found.

"It's scary, yes it is," said Noto.

If a single tree is found to have the virus, all trees within a 75 foot radius must be removed and destroyed. If Noto's orchard had a single tree found to be contaminated, he could have had thousands of dollars in losses, as newly planted trees don't bear fruit for several years. If any farmers lose their trees, the state and USDA do make sure that the farmers are compensated.

Noto was asked if a farmer were to lose their orchards, would there be an impact on consumers, and he replied,

"Definitely a price increase. There will be less fruit on the market."