Virus diseases of berry plants in Finland

Abstract

Virus diseases of berry plants became more common and harmful in the 1960s, when berry cultivation expanded in Finland. Virus diseases seldom occur in strawberry because the main vector, Chaetosiphon fragaefolii, does not thrive in Finland. However NEPO-viruses are found in Finland in plant nurseries and in berry cultivations, and they may become a danger for strawberry as well as for raspberry growing. Both wild and cultivated raspberries are commonly infected by viruses. The vector aphids also occur in Finland. Reversion disease infects black currants. The veinbanding virus disease is common in red currants and gooseberries. Virus diseases of berries are poorely investigated in Finland. The healthy plant propagation and certification scheme was established in the 1970s. More research is needed in order to understand our virus problems, to develop proper test methods, and to prevent virus spread.