Efficiency of inoculation of peach GF305 seedlings with Plum pox virus by different methods

Peach GF305 is frequently used ns rootstock in experiments to evaluate the resistance of different species of Prunus to Plum pox virus (PPV) because o f its extreme susceptibility. However, transmission of PPV in Prunus specie s is sometimes problematic due to its low concentration or uneven distribut ion in these species. To determine the most effective way of transmitting t he virus, different infection methods (by aphids, grafting, mechanical infe ction and injection) were tested using Dideron PPV isolates. The most effec tive method was the grafting of herbaceous material with inoculum derived f rom similar herbaceous material. Infection by aphids was more laborious and less effective than grafting, showing many disadvantages. Neither mechanic al infection nor injection transmitted the virus.