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Abstract
Apple rubbery wood virus (RWV) is widespread in apple and pear varieties in New Zealand, having been found in some trees of all varieties examined. Of 278 apple trees tested, 75 percent were infected; and of 43 pear trees indexed, 70 percent carried the virus. The virus has been found to cause symptoms on two New Zealand produced apple varieties, ‘Gala’ and ‘Splendour’. Symptoms on the former are nearly as severe as those on ‘Lord Lambourne’; on the latter they are less pronounced, being comparable with those on ‘Golden Delicious’. Rubbery wood symptoms have been observed also on ‘Red Delicious’ trees known to be infected with RWV.
Apple and pear rootstock and scion varieties free from RWV have been secured from overseas or obtained in New Zealand by the heat treatment/tip culture technique. Most rootstock varieties free from RWV have been secured from overseas, and most scion varieties have been obtained by heat treatment locally. RWV-free material available in New Zealand consists of 19 apple and 5 pear scion varieties and 8 apple and 1 pear rootstock varieties.