First report of Pepino mosaic virus in Croatia
In Croatia, the presence of Pepino mosaic virus (Potexvirus, PepMV – EPPO Alert List) in domestic production was first confirmed in 2010. During a specific survey, the virus was found on tomato hybrids Belle and Dirk cultivated in greenhouses, at 3 (out of 24) inspected locations: in Gajić and Magadenovac (Osječko-baranjska county) and in Krasica (Istarska county). According to laboratory analyses of collected tomato samples (leaves and fruits), the presence of PepMV was confirmed at the above locations in 48 samples using serological methods (DAS- and DASI-ELISA). The presence of PepMV could be further confirmed by molecular methods (IC-RT-PCR) in 18 of the positive samples. Infected tomato samples had been collected in June and September 2010.
Official eradication measures were taken. All infected plant material and growing media were destroyed and buried. Weeds occurring within a minimum of 1 m from the production areas were destroyed using herbicides, and the complete production system and equipment were cleaned and disinfected. In addition, the producers were informed via brochures about the symptoms and damage that this virus can cause in tomato production, as well as of control and eradication measures.
The pest status of Pepino mosaic virus in Croatia is officially declared as: Absent, in domestic production found for the first time in 2010 at three locations (two in Osječko-baranjska county and one in Istarska county), eradicated.
Sources
NPPO of Croatia (2011-11).