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Hosta Virus X

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Caused By:-     A relatively new virus

Description

This virus is believed to have appeared around 1998 and has spread around the world like an epidemic. Hostas infected with Hosta Virus X usually, but not always. look weak, wilty and/or puckered. This virus affects different hosta cultivars in different ways, so it is impossible to give a definitive description of symptoms. The most common visual symptom is blue or green markings on a light coloured leaf. The markings usually follow the leaf veins and bleed out into surrounding tissue giving the plant a mottled appearance. Some green tissue will show lighter coloured mottling along the veins. Some dark coloured Hostas appear as if they have had bleach spilled on them. It is believed that this virus can only be transmitted by sap from an infected plant coming into contact with another plant. It is during the splitting propagation process that the virus is spread by digging and cutting tools. Researchers have said that insects do not transmit the virus, but as other viruses are transmitted by aphids it cannot be ruled out. It is also said that it is not transmitted by seed.

Control

There is no cure and you should not compost infected plants as it risks the spreading of the virus. Infected plants should be removed and burnt. The virus cannot survive in the soil so providing you ensure that all parts of the plant are removed it should be safe to replant the same area with Hostas. Avoid strangely spotted or mottled plants from nurseries. Always sterilise tools using bleach, rubbing alcohol, or ammonia between us on each plant.

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