Tomato apical stunt viroid detected on tomatoes in Italy
Tomato apical stunt viroid (Pospiviroid, TASVd – EPPO Alert List) has previously been detected in Italy, but only in asymptomatic plants of Solanum jasminoides (see EPPO RS 2011/116 and 2011/158) which were subsequently destroyed. During a survey conducted in October 2013 in glasshouse tomatoes, unusual symptoms were observed on 4 tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum cv. ‘Ingrid’ grafted on ‘Beaufort’ rootstock) in a single greenhouse located at Diano Marina (Imperia province, Liguria region). Symptoms included shortened apical internodes associated with tiny, deformed and brittle chlorotic leaves, while ripe fruits were pale red and smaller. Laboratory analysis (PCR, sequencing) confirmed the presence of TASVd in symptomatic plants. The origin of this infection is still unclear, although it is suspected that it may have originated from ornamental solanaceous plants.
The situation of Tomato apical stunt viroid in Italy can be described as follows: Transient, (occasionally found on asymptomatic ornamentals, detected once in 4 tomato plants).
Sources
Parella G, Numitone G (2014) First report of Tomato apical stunt viroid in tomato in Italy. Plant Disease 98(8), p 1164.