Detection of Hosta Virus X / HVX:
Copyright Dr Gary Moorman
The Hosta virus X is a Potexvirus which infects Hostas, ornamentals also named Funkia or plantain lilies. This species has more than 7000 species each one being more or less susceptible to Hosta Virus X.
The HVX is only transmitted by contact (sap) and trough infected mother-plant to daughter-plant. The long distance spreading is partly explained by the commercialization of some cultivars which have been selected because of their ‘interesting foliage’ which were in fact infected by HVX. Moreover, symptoms can appear several years after infection.
The hundreds of hosta varieties offers a wide range of phenotypes and so a wide variety of symptoms. Among the most recognizable: stunting, puckering, leaf twisting, distortion, ringspots, necrosis and changes in pigmentation (lighter or darker) in mosaic, mottle or circular spots shapes or along the veins. Distinguishing symptoms due to HVX from normal appearance make it difficult to discern suspect plants.
Available kits for the detection of HVX:
Complete ELISA kit : Pathoscreen®
For Double Antibody Sandwich (DAS) ELISA
Capture and detection antibodies: Polyclonal
Only SRA tests
For Double Antibody Sandwich (DAS) ELISA
Detection or coating antibodies
Only SRA (DAS Double Antibody Sandwich -ELISA)
Only SRA (DAS Double Antibody Sandwich -ELISA)
Positive and negative controls are available.