Section outline
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The use of tested virus-free plant material are highly recommended. Although AsMAV-induced leaf symptoms are very distinct in Eurasian aspen they may vary and can therefore be confused with leaf chloroses. Chloroses are known to be induced by other plant viruses known to affect Populus spp. (Büttner et al. 2023). However, reliable diagnosis of AsMaV is possible by virus-specific RT-PCR or RT-PCR using genus-specific primers in combination with Sanger-sequencing (Rehanek et al. 2022; von Bargen et al. 2020). In case, mosaic-diseased aspen trees show extensive signs of degeneration due to further stress factors in combination with the virus infection, it has to be considered - after evaluating ecological and economic aspects of the particular stand - to remove the trees, as they cannot be cured from the disease.
Leaves of AsMaV-infected Eurasian aspen (Populus tremula) showing chlorotic spots, variegation, and mottle.