First record of sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus in Belgium
The NPPO of Belgium recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (Crinivirus, SPCSV, EU Annexes) on its territory.
Cuttings of sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) were imported from Portugal and planted in June 2022 in a field (2.5 ha) in the county of Tielt (province of West-Vlaanderen). In September, the farmer took a symptomatic sample for diagnosis and SPCSV was detected. An official sample was taken by the NPPO in October which confirmed the identity of the virus. Traceability studies showed that cuttings of the same imported lot had been planted in other fields. SPCSV was found in 2 municipalities in the county of Tielt, as well as in the counties of Aalst and Gent (province of Oost-Vlaanderen). A demarcated area has been defined and official measures taken: it is forbidden for one year to grow sweet potato in the fields where the infected lots had been planted. Harvested tubers may only be used for consumption and processing. Foliage should remain on the plot or be destroyed where possible. It is noted that the vector of SPCSV, Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae - EPPO A2 List) does not occur outdoors in Belgium.
The pest status of sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus in Belgium is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Belgium (2022-10, 2022-11).