Apple: Virus diseases

Biology

Virus diseases of apples are rarely significant problems in home orchards. Symptoms are most commonly seen as bark disorders, leaf mottling, or misshapen fruit. One of the more common virus problems is apple mosaic. Apple mosaic virus is most commonly seen on older (heirloom) apple varieties. This disease causes creamy to yellow mottling, spotting, or vein yellowing visible mainly on the upper surface of leaves. Extremely sensitive varieties may lose leaves. Apple mosaic is transmitted by grafting or natural root grafts and spreads slowly.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Do not perform grafts with wood from infected trees.
• Remove and destroy severely affected trees, if desired.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

• None recommended.