Transmission of Xanthomonas campestris pv. pruni in Plum and Apricot Nursery Trees by Budding

Abstract

A study was made of the importance of the source of apricot ( Prunus armeniaca L.) and plum ( P. salicina Lindl.) buds on subsequent development of bacterial spot caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. pruni (Smith) Dye on scion shoots and their rootstocks. Visibly infected buds budded onto ‘Marianna’ rootstock took poorly, and all developing shoots became infected. Symptomless, suspect buds from diseased trees had an increased rate of take, and fewer shoots were infected. Visually healthy buds collected from healthy trees gave the highest rate of take and lowest percentage of shoot infection.