Little Cherry Disease
AGNEMA is participating in the Washington State University Little Cherry Proficiency testing program. In order to help the industry manage the spread of Little Cherry Disease, Washington State University provides us with the updated protocols, positive controls, training and proficiency testing.
For more info please visit WSU Tree Fruit - Labs testing for Little Cherry Virus and X-disease Phytoplasma.
Little cherry disease (LCD) is caused by one or more of three pathogens: Little cherry virus 1 (LChV-1), Little cherry virus 2 (LChV-2), or X-disease phytoplasma (Western X). We can test all 3 pathogens in one single sample.
Little cherry virus 2 (LChV2) and Little cherry virus 1 (LChV1), and X-disease phytoplasma, cause small cherry symptoms often described as ‘Little Cherry disease’, ‘X-disease’ or Western X. Diseased trees produce cherries of small size and poor color and flavor making the fruit unmarketable3.
The impacts of the disease are way more than the quantity and quality of cherries at harvest. Technically, once little cherry disease is confirmed in an orchard all trees that have tested positive, should be removed. Furthermore, little cherry viruses survive in living plant tissue, therefore it is critical to kill or remove cherry roots. According to a recent survey conducted by WSU/ OSU Extensions, removed trees reduced revenue to the industry by an estimated $30 million in 2020.
AGNEMA provides you with the leading edge qPCR TaqMan Assays for detection of Little Cherry Disease. These customized laboratory tests have been designed to assist the industry in managing the Little Cherry Disease throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Tips on Packaging, Handling and Shipping samples
Sample should be placed in a new Ziploc bag and kept in a cooler or refrigerator.
Label the bags as appropriate and complete the LCD Sample Submission Form with the test required, sample ID, contacts information, etc. and send the Form along with the samples.
Do not put paper towel, labels or Testing Submission Form inside the sample bag.
Drop the samples off at the lab promptly or mail them overnight in a Styrofoam shipping container with an ice-pack.
Lab Address: 1320 E Spokane St, Suite A, Pasco, WA 99301
Email the Sample Submission Form and tracking number (if shipping) to sample @agnema.com , and preferably dispatch or deliver samples early in the week.
Feel free to reach out by calling / texting: 509-255-3744
sending email to: info@agnema.com
Training and Informative pages:
X-disease and Little Cherry Disease Introduction and Importance
NW Cherry Growers and WSU Extension
Symptoms of Little Cherry and X-disease
WSU/OSU Training Video