Situation of Potato spindle tuber viroid in Belgium
In Belgium, Potato spindle tuber viroid (Pospiviroid, PSTVd – EPPO A2 List) had never been reported on potatoes until August 2006, when it was detected for the first time on glasshouse tomatoes (EPPO RS 2008/076). Phytosanitary measures were taken and this outbreak was successfully eradicated.
During 2006-2007, surveys for PSTVd were conducted in solanaceous ornamentals and it was found that 28% of the tested samples (Brugmansia spp. and Solanum jasminoides) were infected by PSTVd. For Brugmansia spp., all positive lots had been imported from other European countries; for S. jasminoides, most infected plants had been imported from other European countries but some had been produced in Belgium. One sample of Solanum rantonetti originating in Portugal was also found positive. During the 2008 season, 107 samples were collected and tested. The PSTVd infection rate dropped significantly to 3.74%, with only 1 case detected in Belgian production.
Sources
Michelante D, Leicher J, Huyshauwer V, Swillens L, Bragard C, Steyer S (2009) Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd): situation in Belgium and experience on managing monitoring and eradication in ornamental and tomato productions. Bulletin OEPP/EPPO Bulletin 39(1), p 81.