Update on the situation of Potato spindle tuber viroid in the Netherlands
The NPPO of the Netherlands recently provided updated information about the situation of Potato spindle tuber viroid (Pospiviroid, PSTVd – EPPO A2 List) on its territory.
- Eradication of PSTVd in potato breeding material
In March 2014, PSTVd was detected in potato (Solanum tuberosum) breeding material (EPPO RS 2014/088). In April 2016, the Dutch NPPO officially declared that after two years of compulsory testing of all breeding plants actively used for crossing experiments, PSTVd has successfully been eradicated. It is noted that there are no links with commercial potato cultivars and that no infections were found during the annual surveys carried out on ‘regular’ seed potatoes in 2014 and 2015 (approximately 800 samples/year).
- First detection of PSTVd in Capsicum annuum plants for planting (seedless cultivars)
In March 2016, the presence of PSTVd was officially confirmed in 4 greenhouses producing plants for planting of Capsicum annuum (several seedless cultivars). One glasshouse is located in the municipality of ‘Peel en Maas’ and the others in the municipality of Westland. No specific symptoms were observed on infected plants. At the 4 locations, PSTVd infections were confirmed in 8, 590, 100 and 1 616 young capsicum plants, respectively. Investigations showed that these findings were linked to propagation material. The presence of PSTVd was initially suspected by the breeding company while testing these seedless cultivars and then reported to the Dutch NPPO. The propagation material used to produce mother plants had been imported by a Dutch nursery from Israel in 2014 and 2015. Plants for planting of these cultivars were then produced and distributed to the affected companies in the Netherlands and to some other EU Member States which have been duly informed. A similar PSTVd sequence has been found in all samples taken from the 4 locations. This sequence was also very similar to those found in interceptions of S. jasminoides. All infected lots will be destroyed by incineration. Neighbouring lots of plants will be inspected and tested. Tracing-back and –forward studies are on-going. A specific survey will also be carried out at other sites producing capsicum fruit.
The pest status of Potato spindle tuber viroid in the Netherlands is officially declared as:
Outbreak in C. annuum, under eradication.
Transient in ornamentals (S. jasminoides).
One outbreak in Dahlia sp. in 2013, eradicated.
Two findings in potato breeding material (S. tuberosum) in 2014, eradicated.
Incidental finding in tomato (S. lycopersicum) fruit production in 2013, eradicated.
Sources
NPPO of the Netherlands (2016-04).