Importance and symptomatology of plum pox virus

The plum pox virus was discovered in Bulgaria between 1915 and 1918, hence the name "plum pox". Despite strict quarantine measures, as early as 1980s, this virus was widespread in whole Europe, but its presence was also confirmed in South and North America, Africa and Asia. The only continent where the infection with this virus has not been described yet is Australia. The presence of strains PPV-D, PPV-M and PPV-Rec has been confirmed in Serbia. The PPV-M strain spreads very quickly naturally, and it is considered as very dangerous for stone fruit trees. Trees infected with the plum pox virus do not decay, but bear fruit of poorer quality. Poorer quality of fruits reduces their market value, which leads to significant economic damage.