First report of Iris yellow spot virus on Eustoma grandiflorum in the United Kingdom
In June 2007, a sample of lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) showing unusual leaf symptoms was sent to the Central Science Laboratory (CSL, York) in the United Kingdom for testing. The affected leaves showed pale necrotic lesions and had been collected from a glasshouse in Suffolk, England (GB). It was reported that in the worst affected block within the glasshouse, up to 20% of the plants were showing similar symptoms. Laboratory tests (DAS-ELISA, real-time PCR, sequencing) revealed the presence of Iris yellow spot virus (Tospovirus, IYSV – EPPO Alert List). This is the first finding of IYSV in the United Kingdom. The infected crop has now been removed and measures taken to eradicate the infection.
The situation of Iris yellow spot virus in the United Kingdom can be described as follows: Transient, single outbreak detected in 2007 on glasshouse Eustoma grandiflorum in Suffolk; under eradication.
Sources
Mumford RA, Glover R, Daly M, Nixon T, Harju V, Skelton A (2008) Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV) infecting Lisanthus (Eutoma grandiflorum) in the UK: first finding and detection by real-time PCR. New Disease Report volume 16 (August 2007-January 2008). http://www.bspp.org.uk/ndr/jan2008/2007-105.asp