Apricot aphid, Myzus mumecola (Matsumura) (Homoptera: Aphididae), was recorded as a new pest of apricot in Hungary in the spring of 2020. Identification was based on morphological and genetical (mitochondrial COI region) characteristics. M. mumecola most likely arrived in Hungary in the last 2–3 years and has quickly become a widespread pest causing significant damage to young apricot trees. Colony development, damage and differences in susceptibility between cultivars are described. The presence of Plum pox virus in M. mumecola samples was detected, and all isolates belonged to the PPV-D subgroup. Illustrations of the most important diagnostic characters of M. mumecola are provided.

Plum pox virus (PPV) isolates were collected in Hungary from plum varieties. PCR targeting the 3' genomic region resulted in a shorter PCR product in the case of the B1298 isolate bearing a 135-nucleotide deletion in frame in the N-terminal part of the coat protein (CP). The isolate was aphid-transmissible and the virion diameter was reduced compared to PPV-SK68. Detectability of this isolate by Western blot varied according to the antibody used. Integration of the deleted CP gene into an infectious PPV clone had no effect on infectivity and symptomatology. In competition experiments, B1298 had a considerable advantage in virus accumulation.

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A destructive seed-borne pathogen, formerly described as Pleospora papaveracea affects opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) plants, grown in Hungary, causing considerable qualitative and quantitative losses. The symptoms of the disease were frequently observed in the field between 1999 and 2006. Seventeen Hungarian isolates were obtained from poppy and cultures were established on malt extract agar from naturally infected seeds, diseased foliage, pods and stem. The pathogens proved to be Crivellia papaveracea and a distinct taxon, Brachycladium papaveris based on morphological characterization of conidia, conidiophores and cultures, moreover molecular investigation of the ITS region. Significant morphological differences were observed among the isolates originating from distinct plant parts, however, cultural characteristics were similar. Molecular studies revealed that morphological and cultural differences or similarities do not correspond with taxonomic position of the isolates. Morphological variation of the isolates mainly depended on their origin and might be explained with the differences of microclimatic conditions.