Hosta Virus X (HVX)

new virus that infects hostas

From the Trillium, Ontario Horticultural Association Newsletter, Winter 2007/2008

·        First identified in 1996, this virus has been spreading around the world

·        The virus is permanent and will be with the plant until it dies

·        The most common hosta virus

How is it transmitted?

·        Primarily when infected sap comes in contact with a healthy plant

·        In nurseries, some propagation methods can infect thousands of plants

·        At home, dividing, removing leaves, stepping on plants can spread virus

·        An infected plant without symptoms is still infectious

How harmful is the virus to the plants?

·        A plant may survive for many years after being infected

·        Symptoms of the virus may disappear, but the plant is still able to infect other plants

·        Ignoring it allows it to continue to spread

How can I tell if my hostas are infected?

·        If you have not added new hostas to your garden over the last few years, yours are more likely to be virus free

·        Symptoms can vary widely: mottling, darker coloured lines along veins, sunken green areas, thin and wrinkled leaf tissue, leaf distortion

What should I do to make sure I don’t have the virus in my garden?

·        If you suspect that one of your plants is infected, you should remove the whole plant

·        Know what is “normal” for a given cultivar. Do not buy plants from batches that show even the slightest suspicious marking on even on plant

·        When disposing of a suspect plant, ensure that you get as much of the root up as possible, do not replant with hostas until any remaining roots have died and rotted away, dug up plants should be left to dry in the sun before disposing of them.

*HVX is still new and some nursery people may not be aware of it.