Behaviour of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) cultivars in the presence of sharka (plum pox potyvirus): a review

Overview & Synopsis

Information concerning the evaluation of apricot resistance to sharka (plum pox potyvirus) has in many cases been published in journals of limited circulation. In an attempt to assess the actual status of this resistance, a global review has been made, including 222 cultivars, 175 of which can be considered as susceptible, 27 as resistant and 20 as cultivars of uncertain classification. Such a doubtful classification could be due to differences in evaluation methods, the isolates used, or to the authenticity of the plant material. The results seem to indicate that the main origin of resistance to sharka could be North American cultivars, although other resistant sources have been found in Central Europe.