Mapping the Distribution of Viruses in Wild Apple Populations in the Southeast Region of Kazakhstan

Kerimbek N. Khusnitdinova M. Taskuzhina A. Kapytina A. Pozharskiy A. Sagitov A. Gritsenko D.
July 2025 Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)

Forests
2025 #16 Issue 7

Kazakhstan is recognized as one of the primary centers of origin of the wild apple Malus sieversii, concentrated mainly in the mountains like Trans-Ile and Zhongar Alatau, as well as parts of the Tarbagatay, Talas Alatau, and Karatau ranges. As the wild progenitor of Malus domestica, M. sieversii harbors a critical genetic diversity essential for apple breeding and conservation efforts. However, its natural populations are increasingly threatened by latent viral infection, which weakens trees, reduces reproduction, and hinders regeneration. In this study, the spread of apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV) and apple stem pitting virus (ASPV) was documented in four wild apple populations, with detection rates of 50.2% and 42.2%, respectively. Mixed infections were observed in 28.8% of sampled trees. Apple stem grooving virus (ASGV) was detected exclusively in cultivated orchards, whereas apple mosaic virus (ApMV) and apple necrotic mosaic virus (ApNMV) were not found in either wild forests or cultivated orchards. Using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, we developed the first spatial distribution maps of these viruses in wild apple forests in the Tian Shan region, revealing site-specific variation and infection rates. These results underscore the importance of monitoring viral infections in wild M. sieversii populations to preserve genetically valuable, virus-free germplasm critical for apple breeding, crop improvement, and sustainable orchard management.

ACLSV , ApMV , ApNMV , ASGV , ASPV , GIS , Malus sieversii , virus , wild apple

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Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Al Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Research Center AgriBioTech, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan

Laboratory of Molecular Biology
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics
Research Center AgriBioTech

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