Update on the situation of citrus yellow vein clearing virus in Italy
In Italy, citrus yellow vein clearing virus (Potexvirus citriflavivenae, CYVCV, EPPO Alert List) was first reported in 2024 on symptomatic lemon (Citrus x limon) and asymptomatic sweet orange (Citrus x aurantium var. sinensis) in Campania region (EPPO RS 2024/151).
In spring 2024, 4–5-year-old potted lemon (C. x limon) plants showing vein clearing and leaf deformation were observed in a commercial nursery in Latina province (Lazio region). The identity of the pest was confirmed by RT-PCR. A virome analysis was conducted on one lemon plant by high-throughput sequencing and showed that the sample was co-infected with iris domestica betaflexivirus 1 (IDBV), and hop stunt viroid (Hostuviroid impedihumuli, HSVd – EU RNQP). This is the first report of CYVCV in Lazio region. This is also the first report of IDBV in lemon.
Sources
Kwak M, Kil EJ, De Stradis A, Parrella G (2026) Virome analysis of lemon plants with vein clearing symptoms reveals mixed infection of citrus vein clearing virus, iris domestica betaflexivirus 1 and hop stunt viroid. Viruses 18(1), 141 https://doi.org/10.3390/v18010141