Genetic diversity and dynamics of plum pox virus populations in the alternative host American plum

TL;DR

This study explores how the plum pox virus changes genetically in American plum and peach plants, especially after cold-induced dormancy.

Contribution

The study reveals unique genetic changes in PPV populations in American plum not observed in peach.

Findings

PPV genetic diversity decreased significantly in American plum after cold-induced dormancy.

Seventeen genetic variations were unique to American plum, while eight were unique to peach.

The findings highlight American plum as a potential reservoir for PPV genetic diversity.

Abstract

Plum pox virus (PPV) is a serious viral threat to stone fruit trees worldwide. Wild Prunus species including American plum (Prunus americana) can serve as sources of inoculum. High-throughput sequencing was used to characterize PPV populations in American plum and peach after aphid inoculation and after two cycles of cold-induced dormancy (CID). A significant decrease in the number of sequence variations in the PPV genome was observed after CID in American plum, but not in peach. Seventeen were identified as unique to American plum, while eight were unique to peach. These findings provide insight into the genetic diversity of PPV in a potential reservoir host.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00705-025-06502-3.

Figures