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Research on Crops

First report of plum pox virus strain Dideron (PPV-D) infecting Prunus species in the West Bank, Palestine: Molecular detection and field incidence

 


DOI: 10.31830/2348-7542.2026.ROC-1295    | Article Id: ROC-1295 | Page : 350-355
Citation :- First report of plum pox virus strain Dideron (PPV-D) infecting Prunus species in the West Bank, Palestine: Molecular detection and field incidence. Res. Crop. 27: 350-355
RANA SAMARA r.samara@ptuk.edu.ps
Address : Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Palestine Technical University- Kadoorie, Tulkarm, Yafa Street, Palestinian Territories
Submitted Date : 17-02-2026
Accepted Date : 7-04-2026
Online Published:

Abstract

Plum pox virus (PPV), the causal agent of Sharka disease, is one of the most economically important viral pathogens of stone fruits worldwide. This study aimed to determine the incidence and distribution of the PPV-Dideron (PPV-D) strain in Prunus species across the West Bank, Palestine. A field survey was conducted in multiple governorates, and leaf samples were collected from apricot, peach, nectarine, plum, cherry, and almond trees. Samples were tested using RT-qPCR with PPV-specific primers WK(U)-1, WK(U)-2, and the PrimeTime probe WK(U)-3. Out of 500 samples analyzed, PPV-D was detected in several locations, with incidence levels ranging from 8 to 100% depending on site and governorate. Positive detections were confirmed in Bethlehem, Ramallah, Jenin, Nablus, Tubas, and Hebron, while samples from other surveyed areas tested negative. The overall chi-square analysis (χ² = 242.11, df = 36, P < 0.0001, contingency coefficient = 0.55) revealed a highly significant variation in PPV incidence among locations, indicating uneven distribution of the virus across the West Bank. These findings confirm the presence and focal spread of PPV-D in Palestine, highlight almonds as an important host reservoir, and underscore the urgent need for systematic monitoring and the implementation of management strategies to limit further dissemination.

Keywords

Plum pox virus Prunus spp. RT-qPCR sharka

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