Details on the occurrence of beet necrotic yellow vein benyvirus in Sweden
As reported in EPPO RS 2000/058, beet necrotic yellow vein benyvirus (BNYVV- EPPO A2 quarantine pest) now occurs in Sweden. Details are given on the first findings. In Sweden, surveys on rhizomania and Polymyxa-transmitted sugar beet viruses have been carried out since 1986 by testing soil and sugarbeet root samples. These surveys showed that both Polymyxa betae and beet soil-borne furovirus are widespread in sugarbeet-growing areas. The occurrence of BNYVV in Sweden was confirmed in 1997. The virus was detected in 2 small areas, one on the island of Öland and one in the Southeastern part of Scania. Molecular studies have revealed the existence of two major strain groups of BNYVV in Europe (A and B types). The A type is widespread in southern Europe and also in the Netherlands, whereas the B type is prevalent in Germany and France. In UK, both A and B types have been found, and cases of mixed infections have been reported. In Sweden, the A type BNYVV was found in Öland and the B type BNYVV was found in Scania. This could suggests that BNYVV has been introduced into Sweden at least from two different sources.
Sources
Lennefors, B.-L.; Lindsten, K.; Koenig, R. (2000) First record of A and B type Beet necrotic yellow vein virus in sugar beets in Sweden.
European Journal of Plant Pathology, 106(2), 199-201.