Ilarviruses and the importance of certified elite planting material in apple production system - An overview

A wide range of graft transmissible pathogens (GTPs) of viral, viroid and phytoplasma etiology affect apple trees resulting in diseases with adverse effects in orchards around the globe. The significance of diseases caused by these GTPs on tree health, fruit shape and quality has resulted in the imposition of legislation based quarantine measures at both domestic and international front. Losses resulting from viruses in apple often remain unnoticed as the impact of these pathogens on productivity is evident over a period of time.