Studies on viruses present in Agapanthus grown in the south of France
Agapanthus species are grown in the south of France (Côte d’Azur) for ornamental purposes (gardens or cut flower production). In most cases, Agapanthus species are vegetatively propagated and viruses are likely to be disseminated through the multiplication process. Studies were carried out in the south of France on the presence of six viruses: Cymbidium mosaic potexvirus, Impatiens necrotic spot tospovirus (EPPO A2 quarantine pest), Odontoglossum ringspot tobamovirus and Tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (EPPO A2 quarantine pest). All six viruses were detected in tested material with the following incidence: Tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (30.9 %), Odontoglossum ringspot tobamovirus (19.5 %), Impatiens necrotic spot tospovirus (17.5 %), Cymbidium mosaic potexvirus (11.3 %), Cucumber mosaic cucumovirus (4.1 %), Arabis mosaic nepovirus (3.1;%). The authors concluded that to ensure a sustainable production of Agapanthus species it is now necessary to implement sanitation procedures, and in particular to select healthy mother plants.
Sources
Pionnat, J.-C.; Favre, S. (2000) Des virus et des fleurs. Détection de virus dans des cultures de production et de collection d’agapanthes.
Phytoma – La Défense des végétaux, no. 259, 23-25.