Cactus virus X found on Hylocereus sp. in Israel
PPIS, the NPPO of Israel, recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the discovery of Cactus virus X (Potexvirus) infecting Hylocereus sp. (Cactaceae – dragon fruit, pitaya) in several places in the country. A delimiting survey is ongoing to determine its geographical distribution.
The pest status of Cactus virus X in Israel is officially declared as: Present, delimiting survey ongoing.
Note: Cactus virus X can infect a wide range of Cactaceae (e.g. Cereus, Echinocereus, Echinopsis, Epiphyllum, Ferocactus, Opuntia, Schlumbergera, Zygocactus), usually without any visible symptoms. This virus has been reported from different parts of the world on cultivated cacti (e.g. Europe, North and South America, Asia), however little data is available on its detailed geographical distribution and impact on affected plants.
Sources
NPPO of Israel, 2008-01.