Distribution of Plum pox virus in Residential Sites, Commercial Nurseries, and Native Plant Species in the Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada

Extensive surveys of native weed populations in peach orchards heavily infected with Plum pox virus strain D (PPV-D) in the Niagara Region quarantine area, Ontario, Canada, failed to identify natural infection in any of the species examined. Surveys of rural and urban residential properties within areas of high PPV incidence did not detect widespread infection of susceptible hosts, with infected Prunus glandulosa (dwarf flowering almond) being found only at one site. The prominent color-breaking observed in blossoms of PPV-infected P. glandulosa would make this an excellent sentinel species for early detection of virus in Prunus orchards. Surveys of susceptible ornamental Prunus spp. in Niagara nurseries failed to demonstrate PPV infection in any of the nursery field plantings.