Raspberry bushy dwarf virus (RBDV) is a plant virus that infects raspberry plants, causing significant damage to the crop. It belongs to the genus "Comovirus" and the family "Secoviridae." RBDV is characterized by its ability to induce stunting, delay in fruiting, and reduced berry size, thereby impacting the overall productivity and quality of raspberry plants.
The virus is transmitted through vegetative propagation, specifically by grafting infected plant material to healthy plants. It can also be spread by aphids that feed on the infected plants and subsequently transmit the virus to healthy ones. Once inside the host plant, RBDV replicates and spreads throughout the vascular system, causing a wide range of symptoms leading to the disease development.
Visible symptoms of RBDV infection in raspberry plants include yellowing and chlorotic mottling of leaves, stunting, and the formation of small, distorted berries. Infected plants often exhibit a bushy appearance due to the excessive production of lateral branches and reduced internodal elongation. Furthermore, the roots may become discolored and distorted, affecting nutrient uptake and overall plant health.
To manage and control the spread of RBDV, it is important to employ preventive measures such as using certified, virus-free planting material, practicing strict hygiene protocols, and implementing adequate pest control measures to reduce aphid populations. Infected plants should be promptly removed and destroyed to avoid further spread of the virus.
