Estimated Impact of X-disease and Little Cherry Disease in Washington and Oregon from 2015 to 2020

Abstract

X-disease phytoplasma and little cherry virus 1 and 2 have resulted in substantial loss of stone fruit acreage in Washington and Oregon. The extent and financial impact on the industry was not previously known. A Washington and Oregon State University survey documented 238,856 trees equivalent to 974 acres of sweet cherries removed due to X-disease and little cherry disease between 2015 and 2020. Removed trees reduced revenue to the industry by an estimated $30 million in 2020 and $65 million between 2015 and 2020. Over the seven-year re-establishment period estimated lost revenue and establishment costs to growers is an estimated $115 million.