Grapevines in central Anatolia region of Turkey were surveyed for the prevalence of grapevine leafroll viruses. The field study and collection of samples were conducted in nine major grapevine-growing areas. Samples collected from 622 vines were tested for Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 1, 2, 3 and 7 (GLRaV-1, -2, -3 and -7). According to diagnostic tests and surveys, 27 of 41 cultivars and 95 of 622 samples (15.27%) were found to be infected at least one virus. GLRaV-1 (8.36%) was found to be the most frequently encountered virus associated with leafroll disease of grapes, followed by GLRaV-3 (5.78%), GLRAV-7 (3.86%) and GLRAV-2 (2.41%).

Very limited information is available on the origin, diversity and evolution of Plum pox virus (PPV) 'Turkey' (T) strain. Phylogenetic analyses based on partial sequences of 421 isolates and complete genome sequences of 57 isolates, representing the geographical distribution of PPV-T in Turkey, revealed the existence of several monophyletic and, in some cases, geographically limited groups within the PPV-T strain (Ankara-Konya1-Kayseri, Ankara-Balkan, Istanbul, Konya2 and Balkan). PPV-T diversity (0.018%) was found to be greater than that of PPV strains D and Rec but lower than that of the M strain when including the newly described and divergent M-Istanbul isolates, suggesting a long evolutionary history for PPV-T. The European part of Turkey in the Balkans, close to Bulgaria where PPV was identified for the first time, appears as a likely centre of origin for PPV-T isolates. The colonization of various parts of Turkey by diverse isolates from that region, followed by secondary local spread, is the most likely scenario for the diffusion of PPV-T in Turkey.

ABSTRACT:Leafroll is one of the most important virus diseases of vineyards of Central Anatolia region. Grapevine leafroll associated viruses GLRaV-1 and GLRaV-3 are the most frequently encountered viruses related with leafroll disease of grapes. The effect of leafroll disease on yield and fruit quality was studied. The disease caused in the average 31.22% decrease of berry weights and 28.72% reduction in total soluble solids, while titratable acidity was increased by 24.39%. The reaction of local cultivars to mixed infections of GLRaV-1 and GLRaV-3 was evaluated and Parmak, Kara dirmit, Kara gevrek and Gül üzümü cultivars were considered to be the most sensitive local cultivars to GLRaV-1 and GLRaV-3.

No abstract

No abstract