Evaluation of different peach genotypes for resistance to Plum pox virus strain M: preliminary results

Different responses to the experimental inoculation with a PPV-M isolate were observed in peach germplasm derived from crosses between Prunus persica and peach related species showing resistance to several pathogens. The response evaluation was performed by correlating the phenotypic analysis with serological and molecular tests.

Twenty-one individuals, asymptomatic and with low concentration of the virus inside the leaf tissues, have been selected. This germplasm can be considered ‘highly tolerant’ or ‘resistant’ and must be submitted to further investigations.