Hop stunt viroid detected in Finland
The NPPO of Finland recently informed the EPPO Secretariat that Hop stunt viroid (Hostuviroid, HSVd) has been found on plants of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) grown under glasshouse conditions. The grower had observed unusual symptoms on leaves and fruits, and samples were sent to the Finnish Food Safety Authority. The pathogen was identified as Hop stunt viroid and results were confirmed by the reference laboratory of the Dutch NPPO. The origin of this infection is unknown, so far. Appropriate treatments and quarantine measures were imposed by the NPPO. In particular, all infected plants were destroyed.
The pest status of Hop stunt viroid in Finland is officially declared as: Present, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Finland, 2009-07.