Updated situation of PSTVd in the Netherlands: eradication of the two outbreaks found in 2013 in tomatoes and Dahlia
The NPPO of the Netherlands recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the successful eradication of two distinct outbreaks of Potato spindle tuber viroid (Pospiviroid, PSTVd – EPPO A2 List) which had been found in 2013 in a glasshouse of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) grown for fruit production (see EPPO RS 2013/148) and in a Dahlia sp. corm production field (see EPPO RS 2013/194). There were no links between those two outbreaks. In addition, molecular analysis has confirmed that the Dutch PSTVd isolate from Dahlia is closely related to an isolate found in Dahlia in Japan, which together form a separate clade.
- Tomatoes
In June 2013, an outbreak of PSTVd was detected in one glasshouse producing tomato fruits. Only a few tomato plants in one row were affected. All plants had been destroyed; quarantine and hygiene measures had been imposed. The NPPO of the Netherlands now confirms that PSTVd has been eradicated from this production site.
- Dahlia
At the end of August 2013, PSTVd was detected in a dahlia corm production field. No symptoms were observed in infected plants. Surveillance records and testing of related lots belonging to other growers did not reveal other infected lots. On the infected production site, all infected lots have been destroyed. In 2014, the cultivation of Dahlia has been prohibited in fields which had been used in 2013 by the grower concerned, and all planting material for the next season will have to be renewed and produced by other growers. An official survey of other Dutch growers of Dahlia has been completed in the course of 2014, and the viroid was not found.
The pest status of Potato spindle tuber viroid in the Netherlands is officially declared as:
Transient in ornamentals. One outbreak in Dahlia sp. 2013, eradicated.
Incidental finding in potato (Solanum tuberosum) at a breeding company. Under eradication.
Incidental finding in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit production in 2013, eradicated.
Not known to occur in pepper (Capsicum L.).
Sources
NPPO of the Netherlands (2014-10).