First report of Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus in Portugal
The NPPO of Portugal recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first official report of Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (Crinivirus, SPCSV, EU Annexes) on its territory. During an export phytosanitary inspection of a consignment consisting of 9 lots of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) tubers, 27 samples were collected from the 9 lots and tested. SPCSV was detected in 2 samples collected in one of the lots (Murasaki variety, 1850 kg). The crop was grown in open field (0.22 ha, part of a total 12 ha of sweet potato production for the company). This plot had been inspected before harvest and no symptoms of SPCSV were found on the plants. This is the first detection of the virus in Portugal which has been officially confirmed. It may be noted that the occurrence of SPCSV had already been recorded in 2018 by scientists but not notified to the NPPO. Official phytosanitary measures were implemented. The infected lot has been destroyed and a nationwide survey program for SPCSV will be implemented in 2020. The origin of the outbreak is being investigated. Mother plants (in vitro) had been received from Ireland and were further propagated under greenhouse in Portugal before being planted outdoors.
The pest status of Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus in Portugal is officially declared as: Present, under eradication, only in the specific parts of the area concerned.
Sources
NPPO of Portugal (2020-03)
Teixeira-Santos M, Sousa E, Ferreira ME (2019). Vírus e produção competitiva e sustentável de batata-doce. Frutas, Legumes & Flores 194, 42-43. Available at https://projects.iniav.pt/BDMIRA/index.php/divulgacao/artigos-tecnicos