The severity of CTV-SP (Figure 1) in a specific
host can vary markedly. Sometimes only a few
scattered pits can be seen after removing the bark
from affected plants and there is no detectable effect
on plant vigor. Other isolates may cause extensive
pits in the trunk and branches that can often be
detected as depressed areas in the bark. When severe,
the trunk and branches may have a ropy appearance.
Trees may continue to grow fairly vigorously for
extended periods with this type of pitting, but fruit
size may be reduced (Figure 2). The most severe type
of stem pitting causes extensive disruption in the
normal differentiation of cambial cells into wood and
bark. Twigs are brittle and the bark is abnormally
thick and growth is markedly reduced. Fruit are
frequently small and misshapen. Leaves are often
chlorotic (Figure 3) and dieback may occur.