The effects of apple mosaic ilarvirus (ApMV) on hazelnut (Corylus avellanaL.)

Abstract

The effect of apple mosaic ilarvirus (ApMV) on hazelnut cv. Negret was determined by comparisons over seven years of growth, yield and nut characteristics of virus-free trees and trees infected by grafting. Trunk circumference measured every year in winter showed no significant differences in vigour. However, the yield obtained from healthy trees in four years was 77% higher than from ApMV infected trees. This difference was mainly due to the production of more nuts and not to differences in nut weight. The percentage of nuts with brown spot in the kernel cavity was significantly higher for healthy trees, and no differences in the relative number of blank nuts and fatty acid composition of kernel were found. Natural spread of ApMV from infected to healthy trees was not detected by the ELISA test or by visual observation of symptoms seven years after orchard planting.