Sharka

Sharka is a term that can refer to a few different things, most notably a viral disease affecting stone fruit trees and a species of fish.

In agriculture, "sharka" is the common name for Plum Pox Virus (PPV). This virus is highly destructive to stone fruit crops such as plums, peaches, apricots, nectarines, and cherries. It causes characteristic rings, spots, or lines on the fruit and leaves, leading to reduced fruit quality, size, and yield, and can ultimately kill infected trees. Sharka disease is spread primarily by infected planting material and through insect vectors, particularly aphids. It is a significant quarantine pest in many parts of the world, and its control involves strict phytosanitary measures, including the eradication of infected trees and the use of resistant varieties.

Alternatively, "sharka" or "sharks" (often pronounced similarly) can be a colloquial or regional term for sharks, the cartilaginous fish that inhabit oceans worldwide. This usage is less formal and depends heavily on the context and geographical location. It's important to clarify which meaning of "sharka" is intended when encountered.