Info

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Info

• Submitted by Mary McKellar, NEPDN
• Prepared January 2008

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Hosta Virus XWhy is this a problem?

• First identified in 1996, this relatively new
  disease has become more prevalent in the nursery
  trade.
• Hosta Virus X can infect many Hosta cultivars and
  can lead to complete plant death.
• Although prevalent in the U.S., it is not found
  in all states.

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Hosta Virus X What does it look like?

• Susceptible cultivars
• Mottling
• Leaf distortion
• Leaf dessication
• Poor vigor
• Tolerant cultivars
• May be asymptomatic but still infected

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Hosta Virus XDisease Transmission

• Mechanical transmission via infected sap
• Spread by person
• Spread by pruning tools
• Spread by propagation
• No evidence HVX is spread by insects

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Hosta Virus XDisease Control

• Proper sanitation
• Clean cutting tools and hands between pruning
• Take care when mowing around hostas
• There is no chemical control. Destruction of
  infected plant material is necessary to contain
  the disease.
• Hostas can be replanted in the same location, the
  virus does not persist in soil.

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Web Links for Further Information

• Hosta Virus X - Introduced Pest Outreach Project
• http//www.massnrc.org/pests/linkeddocument
• s/pestalerts/HostaVirusX_Februar
• _2006.htm
• Virus Problem Plagues Hosta
• http//www.extension.iastate.edu/news/2007feb/0715
  02
• htm
• Hosta Virus X Informational Web Site - Kansas
  State
• University
• http//www.oznet.k-state.edu/path-
• ext/factSheets/Ornamentals/HostaVirus.asp
• Hosta Virus X Hostalibrary.org
• http//www.hostalibrary.org/firstlook/HVX.htm