RASPBERRY LEAF BLOTCH EMARAVIRUS – A SIGNIFICANT THREAT TO RASPBERRY PRODUCTION IN SERBIA

Abstract

Raspberry leaf blotch emaravirus (RLBV) is a recently characterized virus infecting raspberries. RLBV has been reported in numerous European countries, and it is vectored by the raspberry leaf and bud mite (Phyllocoptes gracillis). Virus infection is manifested by light green and yellow leaf blotches and patches, leaf twisting, and distortion of leaf margins. RLBV is the most important virus infecting raspberries in Serbia, causing severe leaf symptoms, including cultivar ‘Willamette’ that is dominant in the orchards, with a share of about 90%. Results of the conducted research in the last decade confirmed wide distribution and significant genetic diversity of RLBV in Serbia. It was detected in all raspberry-growing regions in all tested cultivars. The fruit of the raspberry ‘Willamette’ proved to be significantly affected by RLBV infection. Depending on the locality and altitude, the recorded reduction of fruit weight was up to 27%. On the other side, soluble solids content in infected fruits was higher. The results of the study on the changes in chemical composition of ‘Willamette’ fruits confirmed the influence of RLBV infection on the examined phenolic profile, but this influence was quite minor compared to the influence of soil composition and weather conditions.