Cherry growers in Chile are on alert for the spread of the necrotic ringspot virus

Cherry growers in Chile are on alert for the spread of Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV) that could affect fruit trees.

According to the Chilean Federation of Fruit Producers (Fedefruta), it is a virus that is constantly present in fruits, but its symptoms can remain unrecognised. The Guild is studying the incidence of the virus to contain and control it.

Jorge Valenzuela, the president of Fedefruta, commented that viruses are common and are present not only in Chile but throughout the world.

Fedefruta, together with the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association, A.G. (ASOEX) and the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) are working on educating farmers how to identify and treat the virus, to be able to detect it on initial stage and detain its spread.

To understand how to treat it, the trees that show symptoms should be uprooted from the orchards.

The Federation recommends keeping the orchards in good sanitary conditions as the first preventive measure against the virus.

source: latribuna.cl

photo: redmaule.com