Epidemiology of Blackberry chlorotic ringspot virus

The pollen- and seed-borne ilarviruses pose a substantial threat to many specialty crops, including berries, rose, and tree fruit, because there are no efficient control measures other than avoidance. The case of Blackberry chlorotic ringspot virus (BCRV) is of particular interest because the virus has been found to be an integral part of blackberry yellow vein disease and is widespread in rose plants affected by rose rosette disease. This study provides insight into the epidemiology of BCRV, including incidence in blackberry and rose; host range, with the addition of apple as a host of the virus; and seed transmission that exceeded 50% in rose. Sensitive detection protocols that can be used to avoid dissemination of infected material through nurseries and breeding programs were also developed.