This study employed total RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and PCR analysis for molecular characterization of pathogenic viruses infecting stone fruits. Leaf samples of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) showing symptoms of viral infection entailed collection from the orchards located in the districts of Bostanliq and Parkent of Tashkent Region, Uzbekistan, with the total RNA subsequently extracted. The quantity and quality of the extracted RNA reached their evaluation, performing cDNA synthesis using high-quality RNA samples. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) proceeded with virus-specific primers targeting major pathogens of stone fruit crops. These include the Prunus dwarf virus (PDV), Plum pox virus (PPV), Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV), Peach rosette mosaic virus (PRMV), Little cherry virus (LCV), Cherry leaf roll virus (CLRV), and Cherry green ring mottle virus (CGRMV). During the examination, the presence of CLRV was successful for validation by PCR in the analyzed stone fruit samples. The obtained results revealed a distinct distribution of CLRV infection and provide a practical basis for the selection of virus-resistant cultivars. The results demonstrate a significant practical value for the selection of virus-resistant stone fruit cultivars. The obtained results highlight the practical relevance of molecular diagnostics for selecting virus-resistant stone fruit cultivars.

Keywords: Sweet cherry (P. avium L.), Cherry leaf roll virus (CLRV), Prunus spp., RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, PCR, molecular diagnostics

Key findings: Molecular characterization confirmed the cherry leaf roll virus (CLRV) in the studied virus samples of the cherries and stone fruits in Uzbekistan.