OCCURRENCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF Apple mosaic virus ON HAZELNUT CULTIVARS IN GIRESUN, TURKEY

Abstract

Apple mosaic virus (ApMV) is the most important viral pathogen of hazelnut. The Black Sea region is the main hazelnut producing area in Turkey. Hazelnut growing areas from Giresun which are located in the Black Sea region were surveyed for occurrence and distribution of ApMV in 2011-2012. Hazelnut leaf samples were collected randomly from non-symptomatic and symptomatic plants displaying yellow rings and lines, yellow flecking, oak leaf pattern and broad vein banding. Leaves from 229 samples collected in 35 fields were tested for the presence of ApMV using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with a commercial antiserum. Based on the ELISA results, 18 out of 229 samples (7.86%) were infected with ApMV.