VIRUSES INFECTING ACTINIDIA SPP.: A POTENTIAL RISK FOR KIWIFRUIT CULTIVATION

none10siKiwifruit (genus Actinidia) is an important crop grown in temperate regions where Italy, New Zealand and Chile are the major producers. More than 50 species are recognized in the genus but in New Zealand and Italy A. deliciosa and A. chinensis are the most important cultivated species. Kiwifruit has been considered to be relatively disease free for more than 30 years however, since 2003, several viruses and virus-like diseases have been identified and more recent studies demonstrated that Actinidia spp can be infected by a wide range of pathogens. Currently eleven different viral species have been identified on kiwifruit plants. A survey to investigate the presence of viruses on Italian kiwifruit orchards and nurseries has been initiated in order to evaluate and prevent potential risks related to viral diseases spreading. Kiwifruit plants showing symptoms attributable to viral infection, as yellow mosaic, chlorotic or necrotic rings, curled or laciniated leaves and wood pitting, have been identified during inspection of commercial orchards in the Emilia Romagna region. Suspected samples were collected and analyzed in order to determine the etiology of the observed symptoms. In this work we describe identification and characterization of two viral species: Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and Pelargonium zonate spot virus (PZSV) from kiwifruit plants showing, respectively, yellow mosaic and chlorotic ring spots. Moreover transmission electron microscopy of partially purified extracts from kiwifruit plants showing laciniated leaves and wood pitting, detected both rod-shaped and flexuous virus particles. Molecular characterization is currently in progress to identify the viruses.noneBiccheri, R.; Poggi Pollini, C.; Babini, A.R.; Blouin, A.; Lanzoni, C.; Pisi, A.; Credi, R.; Rubies Autonell, C.; M.N. Pearson; C. RattiBiccheri, R.; Poggi Pollini, C.; Babini, A.R.; Blouin, A.; Lanzoni, C.; Pisi, A.; Credi, R.; Rubies Autonell, C.; M.N. Pearson; C. Ratt