EPPO Global Database

EPPO Reporting Service no. 02 - 2000 Num. article: 2000/024

First report of potato spindle tuber viroid in Costa Rica


In 1997/1998 symptoms of leaf roll, dwarfism, chlorosis and occasional leaf necrosis were observed in several potato (Solanum tuberosum) fields in Cartago, the main potato-growing region of Costa Rica. Leaf samples from 122 symptomatic potato plants (cvs Atzimba, Floresta, Idiafrit, Birris) were collected from 10 plots and tested (dot blot hybridization, biological test on tomato Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Super Marmande). Results showed the presence of potato spindle tuber viroid (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) in diseased samples. This is the first report of potato spindle tuber viroid in Costa Rica.

Sources

Badilla, R.; Hammond, R.; Rivera, C. (1999) First report of potato spindle tuber viroid in Costa Rica.
Plant Disease, 83(11), p 1072.