DPI Leader Plant Pest Surveillance, Dr Louise Rossiter said DPI, in partnership with industry, is supporting surveillance in NSW cherry orchards, following detection of the disease in Tasmania and Victoria earlier this year.

“Symptoms may include general under performance of the tree and can be easily overlooked as waterlogging or a nutrient deficiency, so it’s important that growers mark these trees and have them tested if they suspect a problem,” Dr Rossiter said.

“Cherry growers should inspect their orchards 10 to 14 days prior to harvest, when the symptoms in fruit are most obvious.

“Infected trees will typically produce fruit that is poorly coloured and tasteless.”

Little cherry disease, caused by little cherry virus two, is spread by the movement of propagation material such as rootstock or budwood, and may have been unknowingly present in Australian orchards for many years.

Dr Rossiter said DPI is providing free testing of leaf samples as part of the surveillance program.

“Correct diagnosis will allow growers to make informed management decisions to remove infected trees and replace them with healthy trees, and so improve the overall performance of their orchards,” Dr Rossiter said.

“Growers are asked to take leaf samples from suspect trees after harvest and send to them to DPI Plant Health Diagnostics for testing.

“All observations, including reports of no symptoms, are important for determining the presence of Little cherry disease in NSW, and we’re encouraging growers to contact us with their reports.”

If growers suspect any symptoms of Little cherry disease in their orchards, they should contact DPI for help with diagnosis and future management.