New soil-borne virus disease in statice
In 1989 a new, obviously soil-borne virus disease was found in statice (Goniolium tartaricum) in southern Germany (Rheinhessen). The disease was associated with typical virus symptoms such as mosaic, yellowing, necrosis and malformation of leaves as well as severe flower damages.
Studies on the host range, symptomatology, particle morphology, physical properties and the serology of the virus demonstrated its belonging to the tombusvirus group. It was found that systematically infected host plants released virus particles into the surrounding previously sterilized substrate and that uninfected plants took up the particles from substrate.
The authors suspect that the virus is transmitted without the help of a vector.
Sources
Krczal, G.; Beutel, M. (1992) A new soil-borne virus disease in statice (Goniolium tartaricum).
Lecture at the '8th International Symposium on Virus Diseases of Ornamental Plants’ Praha, August 24-28, 1992