New report of lettuce infectious yellows virus in Spain
Lettuce infectious yellows virus (Crinivirus lactucaflavi, LIYV – EPPO A1 List) was first reported in Spain (and in the EPPO region) in 2021 on lettuce plants (Lactuca sativa) in a greenhouse in the País Vasco Region and rapidly eradicated (EPPO RS 2021/160).
The NPPO of Spain recently informed the EPPO Secretariat that LIYV was found again on its territory. In May 2025, an official research institute reported to the Plant Protection Center of Bizkaia (Pais Vasco Region), that a crop of Beta vulgaris for seed production grown within a greenhouse in Derio municipality (Bizkaia province, País Vasco Region), showed widespread virus-like symptoms. Symptoms included chlorotic and mosaic leaf patterns, with some bronze discoloration. Samples were collected and sent for analysis to the National Reference Laboratory. The identity of the virus was confirmed by RT-PCR. The crop consisted of 115 plants intended for G1 seed production. LIYV is known to be transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae - EPPO A2 List), but this pest was not found in the greenhouse. All plants in the greenhouse were destroyed by incineration, except 9 that were retained for seed production. Seeds from these 9 plants will be tested to check for virus presence and to evaluate possible seed transmission of LIYV (under isolated conditions).
The pest status of lettuce infectious yellows virus in Spain is officially declared as: Present, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Spain (2025-08).