Plum pox virus (PPV) was discovered for the first time in North America in 1999 in a peach orchard in Adams County, Pennsylvania. In Pennsylvania, peach, plum, nectarine and apricot stone fruit and native and ornamental Prunus are susceptible to PPV, Strain D. In 2006 and 2007 analyses of PPV survey data showed that a large portion of the quarantined area met the three-year requirement of no new positives. Lifting the quarantine in these areas opens many acres for replanting Prunus. New plantings offer the opportunity for a “fresh start” and growers must plan carefully to get the most from their investment.

** Map of Quarantine Areas for 2008**(pdf)

Resources for Fruit Growers and Nurseries:

Fact Sheets/Publications - all are PDF's

Replanting Prunus in Sites Previously Affected by Plum Pox
Important Steps to Replant Success
Recommended Peach Cultivars
Plum Pox Virus of Stone Fruits
Plum Pox Virus and Other Diseases of Stone Fruit (AGRS-81) - a guide to assist stone fruit growers to identify PPV and differentiate it from other disease symptoms.
**to order a hard copy of this guide, please see the College's publication order page
Plum Pox - A Devastating Threat to Peaches, Apricots, Plums, Nectarines, Almonds, and Sweet and Tart Cherries

Powerpoints

Re-inventing our Peach Industry (266 KB)
Important Orchard Replant Considerations (large file - 3 MB)

Resources for Ornamental Growers, Nurseries and Garden Centers:

Fact Sheets/Point of Purchase Materials

Plum Pox Virus (PPV) on Ornamentals (PDF)
Alternatives for Prunus in the Nursery and Landscape
Selecting the right plant for the right place (PDF)
Plum Pox Virus Quarantine Lifted in Some Areas (PDF)
Beautiful Gardens Begin with Soil
Choosing a Top-Quality Tree
Caring for Baby Trees
Choosing Fertilizers

Powerpoints

Introduce New Plants - Not New Pests to Your Landscape or Orchard (5 MB)
Landscape Planning & Site Assessment: Keys to Successful Plant Selection (11 MB)
Improving the Establishment & Care of Woody Plants in the Landscape (9 MB)

Other Resources:

News Briefs

PLUM POX RESULTS BRING GOOD NEWS TO PENNSYLVANIA PRUNUS FRUIT AND ORNAMENTAL GROWERS: In welcome news to Pennsylvania Prunus fruit and ornamental growers, Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff announced on October 25, 2007 that for the first time in eight years the department’s sampling of stone fruit trees uncovered no new cases of Plum Pox Virus. (10/07)
more information.....

2008 MAP OF QUARANTINE AREAS (pdf document)

Useful links

Penn State Fruit Research & Extension Center (FREC)
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA)
National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN)
West Virginia University Plum Pox Resources
Michigan State University IPM Resources
Cornell detects Plum Pox Virus in New York State
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
APHIS
National Research Support Project 5
Invasive Species
APS: Plant Pathology Online: Plum Pox
APS: Plant Pathology Online: New Plant Viruses
VIDE Plant Viruses Online: Plum Pox
Research Penn State magazine - May 2004, Pennsylvania Stories: Invasive Procedure
APHIS - Plant Pest Program Information (Pest List)
Sudden Oak Death (Phytophthora ramorum)
Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis)

Contact List

NOTE: If you plan to replant peaches in a previously quarantined area, it is important to get your orchard back on the PPV Field Survey List.