Potato spindle tuber viroid – findings in ornamental plants
Growers of ornamental plants of the family Solanaceae, particularly Solanum jasminoides, and Brugmansia spp., are advised to consider carefully the sourcing of their propagation material and grown plants in 2007, following outbreaks of Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) in various EU Member States during 2006.
Outbreaks have been detected at propagation and production premises in the Netherlands, as well as Germany, Belgium, France and Slovenia.
The findings have only come to light following laboratory testing, as no symptoms have been visible on the plants. The UK has initiated a survey in response to the findings and to date there has been one positive finding, on Brugmansia cuttings from the Netherlands. Until the end of January, and in connection with the survey, Defra is willing to accept samples of Solanum jasminoides, and Brugmansia spp. submitted directly by growers for testing, free of charge, at the Central Science Laboratory, near York. See details* below concerning sample submission. Growers are strongly advised to seek assurances from their suppliers about the status of any material ordered, and to have any material already received tested for PSTVd before propagation or further distribution.
An extended survey will be initiated in the spring, to monitor material being traded. PSTVd is an EU Annex IAI listed pathogen, which means that any material found to be infected during these surveys must be destroyed.
While findings have been detected only in the ornamental species listed, producers of other solanaceous ornamental plants are advised to take steps to minimise the risk of such plants being exposed to the pathogen. Additionally, tomato growers are advised to avoid bringing solanaceous ornamental plants into their glasshouses. There is a theoretical risk to potatoes from exposure to infected material, but this is extremely unlikely under normal growing conditions. An HDC factsheet (09/06 Potato spindle tuber viroid in tomato and new viroid reports) is available which includes helpful advice on PSTVd. Further information is also available at http://www.defra.gov.uk/planth/pestnote/pstv.htm
*Sample submission
Samples should consist of young leaves from actively growing
tissue (about 5 cm long for Brugmansia or leaves taken from young
shoots for Solanum jasminoides). A single sample can consist
of leaves taken from up to 25 individual plants.
They should be packed in plastic bags and each sample should be clearly labelled and marked as 'PSTVd Survey'. A Sample Submission Form, including full contact details etc, should be included. This form can be obtained from CSL: http://www.csl.gov.uk/
Send samples to:
CSL Diagnostics
Room 04GA03
Central Science Laboratory
Sand Hutton
York
Y041 1LZ
UNITED KINGDOM
Ideally, samples should be dispatched by either express courier service or first-class post to arrive at CSL next day. Try to avoid sending samples over the weekend or a bank holiday.
Page last modified:
22 Dec 2006
Page published: 22 Dec 2006