The Southeastern Budwood Program virus testing was initiated by Dr. Simon Scott (Clemson University Professor Emeritus) in 2000, with the goal of ensuring that buds and rootstocks being propagated by nurseries in the southeastern U.S. are tested (and negative) for important viruses of stone fruit, including prunus necrotic ringspot virus, prune dwarf virus, and plum pox virus. In 2009, the SBP began collaboration and received support from the National Clean Plant Network.
Each spring, we collect leaf samples from commercial peach orchards, and test ~2,500 trees for PNRSV, PDV, and PPV. In addition, we test Guardian trees (for rootstock seed) for the same viruses. Nurseries are then provided with testing results and maps, which they use to collect budwood from the virus-tested trees. This process helps to ensure that the major nurseries producing trees are not inadvertently spreading these viruses via nursery stock.
Another part of this program is the maintenance of stone fruit foundation trees for cultivars that are relevant to the southeastern U.S. Our collection complements the foundations at Clean Plant Center Northwest in Prosser, WA and Foundation Plant Services in Davis, CA. We work closely with these clean plant centers to secure virus-tested fruit trees for the U.S.
We are currently developing a separate website with more information about the SBP. Stay tuned!
Each spring, we collect leaf samples from commercial peach orchards, and test ~2,500 trees for PNRSV, PDV, and PPV. In addition, we test Guardian trees (for rootstock seed) for the same viruses. Nurseries are then provided with testing results and maps, which they use to collect budwood from the virus-tested trees. This process helps to ensure that the major nurseries producing trees are not inadvertently spreading these viruses via nursery stock.
Another part of this program is the maintenance of stone fruit foundation trees for cultivars that are relevant to the southeastern U.S. Our collection complements the foundations at Clean Plant Center Northwest in Prosser, WA and Foundation Plant Services in Davis, CA. We work closely with these clean plant centers to secure virus-tested fruit trees for the U.S.
We are currently developing a separate website with more information about the SBP. Stay tuned!
| NCPN Fruit Tree Brochure |
