First report of Potato spindle tuber viroid in Malta
The NPPO of Malta recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first record of Potato spindle tuber viroid (Pospiviroid, PSTVd - EPPO A2 List) on its territory. During an annual survey, PSTVd was detected in 5 Brugmansia spp. plants in the nursery of a garden centre in Burmarrad (a locality in St. Paul’s Bay). In August 2012, laboratory tests (molecular hybridization) confirmed the presence of PSTVd in 5 plant samples. Official control measures were taken and all plants concerned were destroyed.
The pest status of Potato spindle tuber viroid in Malta is officially declared as: Present, at low prevalence.
Sources
NPPO of Malta (2013-08).