First report and eradication of lettuce infectious yellows virus in Spain
The NPPO of Spain recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of lettuce infectious yellows virus (Crinivirus, LIYV – EPPO A1 List) on its territory. This is the first record of this virus in the EPPO region.
The virus was first detected in a greenhouse located in the municipality of Urduliz, Vizcaya province, in the Autonomous Region of País Vasco. In January 2021, batavia lettuce plants (Lactuca sativa) grown hydroponically in a cold tunnel showed symptoms of a possible viral infection: poor development, bunchy aspect, variegation, light green mosaic and chlorosis mainly of the outer leaves. Samples were taken and the identity of the virus was confirmed in March 2021 by the National Reference Laboratory. In the meantime, the grower had destroyed the infected plants, and replanted lettuces at the end of January. The lettuces were harvested at the end of March and showed no symptoms. Two more cycles of production were carried out (planted in April and in June) and no symptoms were observed. The insect vector (Bemisia tabaci) has never been detected in the crops. In the absence of symptoms during three crop cycles and absence of the vector, the outbreak is considered as eradicated.
The pest status of lettuce infectious yellows virus in Spain is officially declared as: Absent, pest eradicated.
Sources
NPPO of Spain (2021-04, 2021-07).