ASHS 2024 Conference

This study aimed to investigate the impact of virus and viroid infections on tree growth and fruit quality attributes in apple, pear, peach, and grape. Trials were conducted in 2019 at the National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science in Korea, utilizing virus-infected, viroid-infected, combined virus/viroid-infected, and uninfected trees in an experimental fruit-tree orchard. Additionally, the experimental orchard served as an exhibition package for farmers and agricultural workers. Annual measurements of tree growth were compared between virus-free and virus/viroid-infected trees. Fruit quality attributes, including yield, weight, firmness, titratable acidity, and anthocyanin content, were assessed during 2021-2023. The results revealed significant differences between virus-free trees and those infected with virus, viroid, or both. Viral and viroid infections led to reduced tree height, trunk area, fruit yield, fruit weight, and anthocyanin content, while increasing fruit firmness and titratable acidity, respectively. These findings are expected to contribute to fruit tree virus and viroid disease control and fruit cultivation management. Furthermore, we anticipate that this research will enhance the understanding of agricultural stakeholders through scientific and comprehensive evidence on the damages caused by fruit tree viruses and viroid infections, thereby stimulating the adoption of virus-free stocks and promoting their widespread distribution.