Potato spindle tuber viroid - first confirmed finding
An outbreak of Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd)
has been confirmed on a tomato production nursery in the south-east of
England. This is the first outbreak in the United Kingdom; there have
been occasional outbreaks in Europe, most recently on potatoes in France
and on tomatoes in the Netherlands.
PSTVd is an EU A1 listed pathogen affecting potato and tomato with no known natural resistance in either host. Infected potato plants are stunted, producing small deformed tubers. Similarly, infected tomato plants are stunted with distorted leaves, exhibiting 'bunchy top'; fruit yield is significantly reduced. Click here for further information.
Statutory controls have been put in place on the affected nursery requiring the destruction of affected plants and a cordon sanitaire, restrictions on movement of fruit and the implementation of strict hygiene protocols across the site. Investigations are on going to establish the extent of infection, links to other sites and possible pathway for introduction of the viroid.
PSTVd is an EU A1 listed pathogen affecting potato and tomato with no known natural resistance in either host. Infected potato plants are stunted, producing small deformed tubers. Similarly, infected tomato plants are stunted with distorted leaves, exhibiting 'bunchy top'; fruit yield is significantly reduced. Click here for further information.
Statutory controls have been put in place on the affected nursery requiring the destruction of affected plants and a cordon sanitaire, restrictions on movement of fruit and the implementation of strict hygiene protocols across the site. Investigations are on going to establish the extent of infection, links to other sites and possible pathway for introduction of the viroid.
Page last modified:
13 Nov 2006
Page published: 16 Jul 2003