First report of Plantago asiatica mosaic virus in Italy
During winters 2013 and 2014, severe leaf symptoms (necrotic streak) were observed on plants of lily hybrids (Lilium spp.) in several greenhouses of the Campania region, in Southern Italy. A total of 14 symptomatic plants (7 in 2013 and 7 in 2014) were selected and tested in the laboratory for the presence of viruses (ELISA, DAS-ELISA, RT-PCR, sequencing, pathogenicity tests). Results confirmed the presence of Plantago asiatica mosaic virus (Potexvirus, PlAMV) in symptomatic plants. This is the first time that this virus is detected in Italy. Based on sequence similarity of PlAMV isolates detected in Campania with a Dutch isolate, it is suspected that the introduction of infected bulbs from the Netherlands is the likely source of infection.
The situation of Plantago asiatica mosaic virus in Italy can be described as follows: Present, first found in 2013 in several greenhouses in Campania region.
Sources
Parrella G, Greco B, Pasqualini A, Nappo AG (2015) Plantago asiatica mosaic virus found in protected crops of lily hybrids in Southern Italy. Plant Disease 99(9), p 1289.