Further finding of Potato spindle tuber viroid on ornamental Solanaceae in the Netherlands
An isolated finding of Potato spindle tuber viroid (Pospiviroid, PSTVd – EPPO A2 list) had previously been reported in the Netherlands on the ornamental Solanum jasminoides (EPPO RS 2006/142) and followed by a similar report in Germany (EPPO RS 2006/159). The NPPO of the Netherlands recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of further findings of PSTVd infections on the premises of several companies growing ornamental Solanaceae. These infections were discovered as part of a specific monitoring survey for viroids on symptomless ornamental plants. This survey was triggered by earlier outbreaks of PSTVd and other pospiviroids detected in Europe (the later mainly found on tomato crops) for which no source of infestation could be identified. Specific surveys have confirmed that PSTVd did not occur in the Netherlands on potato or tomato crops. The first PSTVd finding which was made in July 2006 on Solanum jasminoides (EPPO RS 2006/142) is now considered eradicated. Another outbreak was found in November 2006 on symptomless ornamental plants of Solanum jasminoides and several Brugmansia species (B. suavolens, B. x candida, B. cordata and B. variegata). Infections were detected on the premises of several companies producing potted plants for final consumers and in one propagation company producing Brugmansia plants. So far, no impact of PSTVd has been observed on these ornamental species which all remained symptomless. During trace-back studies, eight consignees located in other EU member states and which may have received possibly contaminated plants in 2005/2006 were informed. In the Netherlands, eradication measures are being applied. The origin of these PSTVd infections remains unclear.
The pest status of Potato spindle tuber viroid in the Netherlands is officially declared as follows: Transient, only on ornamental plants of Solanum jasminoides and Brugmansia spp., under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of the Netherlands, 2006-11.