Virus in the strawberry patch

A virus known in Europe for more than 40 years, strawberry latent ringspot virus (SLRSV), has now been discovered in North America. Testing in 2003 showed it to be present in 17 percent of California strawberry samples and 4 percent of British Columbia strawberry samples--though in just one sample in 2004. Since the virus was also found in a variegated mint that is widely sold here, SLRSV is likely to become widespread in North America. It can infect many broadleaf crops and dramatically decrease yields. SLRSV is reported to be spread by the nematode Xiphinema diversicaudatum, so researchers were surprised to find it in strawberries, a crop that's usually planted in soils that have been fumigated to control nematodes. They think the virus may have another vector transmitting it and are investigating that possibility. They also think it may have been here for many years, undetected, on the ornamental mint, which is popular for its bright-yellow, vein-banding pattern. Since many of the chemicals traditionally used to control nematodes are being disallowed because of environmental concerns, work is under way to find alternatives to curb the spread of SLRSV and other nematode-transmitted viruses. For more information please click "here":[ http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3741/is_8_53/ai_n14935476].

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