Incursion of Chrysanthemum stunt viroid in the Czech Republic
The NPPO of the Czech Republic recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the detection of Chrysanthemum stunt viroid (Pospiviroid, CSVd – EPPO A2 List) on its territory. In autumn 2009, glasshouse chrysanthemum plants (Dendranthema indicum hybrids) showing disease symptoms were observed in the South Moravian (3 companies) and Plzeň Regions (1 company). Testing (PCR with specific primers) of symptomatic leaf samples collected from all 4 localities revealed the presence of CSVd. All plants which tested positively for CSVd came from cuttings which had originally been imported from other EU member states. All companies where CSVd was detected were growing chrysanthemum plants as cut or potted flowers to final consumers. Most of the infected plants were unmarketable and were thus destroyed by the growers themselves. Specific surveys for CSVd will be carried out during the 2010 growing season across the whole territory of the Czech Republic. The NPPO recalled that an earlier outbreak of CSVd had been detected in 2005 in 1 location in Central Bohemian Region and had been successfully eradicated.
The pest status of Chrysanthemum stunt viroid in the Czech Republic is officially declared as: Present in some areas, distribution will be specified on the basis of surveillance in 2010.
Sources
NPPO of Czech Republic (2010-02).