Transmission of plum pox potyvirus in Spain1

Transmission tests were conducted in the laboratory to determine which are the aphid species responsible for the great natural spread of plum pox potyvirus (PPV) observed in the field in Spain. Woody hosts were used in these tests and different transmission techniques were compared. The aphid species tested were Myzus persicae, Aphis gossypii, A. spiraecola, A. fabae, Hyalopterus pruni and Brachycaudus prunicola. Although the transmission rates obtained were, in general, quite low, it can be stated that, except for B. prunicola (pending confirmation of results), all species tested transmitted PPV under the conditions of the trial.