在北美,果树病毒病最早是在1630年发现的,即桃萎黄病(Peach yellow)。1796年,桃萎黄病大发生。1888年Smith证实,它是由嫁接传染的。但他的工作没有引起人们的重视,因而没有得到进一步的发展,直到1930年,只鉴定出了五种核果类的病毒。二十世纪三十年代后期及四十年代初期,果树病毒才又为人们所重视,到1951年鉴定出了40～50种核果类的病毒病。而与此同时,在欧洲,更多的工作则集中在仁果类上(苹果、梨和榅桲)。 In North America, fruit tree virus disease was first discovered in 1630, Peach yellow. In 1796, peach yellow disease occurred. Smith confirmed in 1888 that it was infected by grafting. However, his work did not attract people’s attention and therefore did not get further development until 1930, only identified five kinds of drupes virus. In the late 1930s and early 1940s, the fruit tree virus was once again valued by people. By 1951, 40 to 50 kinds of stoneworms were identified. In the meantime, more work in Europe is concentrated on pomes (apples, pears and slugs).