Indicator plants as an auxiliary method for identifying pathogenic viruses of stone fruit crops

Viral infections pose a serious threat to cherry, plum, apricot, and other stone fruit plantations. Such infections lead to serious consequences, including yield reduction, deterioration of fruit quality, and plant death. The most common phytopathogenic viruses of stone crops include plum pox virus ( PPV ), Prunus necrotic ringspot virus ( PNRSV ), Prune dwarfism virus ( PDV ), apple chlorotic leaf spot virus ( ACLSV ), and cherry leaf roll virus ( CLRV ). Among the symptoms of viral infections are chlorotic spots, leaf necrosis, deterioration of fruit marketability, etc. Determination of the virological status of plants require methods for identification of pathogenic viruses. Timely diagnosis is a key factor in production of high-quality planting material. At present, diagnostic methods include immunoenzyme assay and polymerase chain reaction. Indicator plants (woody or herbaceous) are increasingly attracting attention as auxiliary testing methods. In this article, we present data on the use of indicator plants for detection of pathogenic viruses of stone fruit crops. Specific symptoms and signs manifested on plants after inoculation are described.