1. Info Submitted by Mary McKellar, NEPDN Prepared January 2008

2. Hosta Virus X Why 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.

3. 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

4. Hosta Virus X Disease Transmission Mechanical transmission via infected sap –Spread by person –Spread by pruning tools –Spread by propagation No evidence HVX is spread by insects

5. Hosta Virus X Disease 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.

6. 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/071502 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