ProMED
http://www.promedmail.org

Source: Trade Magazin Hungary [summ. Mod.DHA, edited]
https://trademagazin.hu/en/edesburgonyat-fenyegeto-virus-jelent-meg-a-hazai-szaporitoanyag-eloallitasban/

In May of this year [2024], laboratory virological testing of plant samples taken during an official inspection confirmed the presence of sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV) at a producer of sweet potato propagating material. The virus was detected in plants grown in 12 plastic tents for producing cuttings in Csongrád-Csanád County.

Plant protection measures were taken to prevent spread of the virus. The source of the infection is being investigated. Strict hygiene instructions were issued, including regular disinfection of all materials suitable for spreading the virus (e.g., work clothes, pruning shears). The authorities ordered immediate destruction of the plants, as well as tillage and total herbicide treatment of the affected area.

SPCSV had previously been detected in ware tubers in the country, but this is the first time the virus was confirmed during production of propagating material. SPCSV is listed among the notifiable pests in EU regulations.
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Communicated by:
ProMED

[_Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus_ (SPCSV; genus _Crinivirus_) is one of the co-infecting partners in sweet potato virus disease (SPVD). SPVD can cause severe yield losses and is considered the most serious disease of the crop worldwide. In Europe, SPCSV had been detected for the first time about 20 years ago in Spain, but the cultivation of the crop is increasing northwards due to warming climate. Because some of the other coinfecting partners are also present in the region, such as _Sweet potato feathery mottle virus_ and _Sweet potato virus G_ (both genus _Potyvirus_; see ProMED posts 20040404.0929, 20221222.8707414), a spread of SPVD is to be expected. Multiple viral infections are common in field plants, with the potential for synergism (symbiotic enhancement) resulting in dramatic increase of symptom severity. In predominantly vegetatively propagated crops like sweet potato, the risk of a buildup of viruses is increased.

Criniviruses are transmitted by a number of whitefly vectors, while some of the other SPVD partners, e.g., the potyviruses, are aphid transmitted. Outbreaks are usually associated with high vector populations. Control of insect transmitted viruses is particularly difficult in open field crops. Disease management may include vector control, removal of reservoirs of both virus and vectors, as well as use of crop varieties with increased pathogen tolerance or resistance. Certified virus-free planting material is essential, but "clean" plants may still become infected later in the field.

Maps
Europe, overview:
https://mapofeurope.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/europe-political-map.jpg

Pictures
SPCSV symptoms:
https://apps.lucidcentral.org/ppp_v9/images/entities/sweetpotato_chlorotic_stunt_375/spcsv002.jpg
SPVD:
https://apps.lucidcentral.org/pppw_v11/images/entities/sweetpotato_virus_disease_528/spvd_gibson2_copy.jpg and
https://apps.lucidcentral.org/pppw_v11/images/entities/sweetpotato_virus_disease_528/sick_plant_naspot_1_rgibson.jpg (compared to healthy)
Whiteflies:
https://www.planetnatural.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/whitefly.jpg

Links
SPCSV & sweet potato virus disease information:
https://apps.lucidcentral.org/ppp_v9/text/web_full/entities/sweetpotato_chlorotic_stunt_375.htm,
https://apps.lucidcentral.org/pppw_v11/text/web_mini/entities/sweetpotato_virus_disease_528.htm,
https://doi.org/10.1111/mpp.12200,
https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-91-3-0327B,
https://www.farmersweekly.co.za/crops/field-crops/identifying-and-controlling-sweet-potato-viruses/, via
https://plantvillage.psu.edu/topics/sweet-potato/infos and
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/sweet-potato-chlorotic-stunt-virus
Information on other sweet potato viruses via:
https://apps.lucidcentral.org/ppp_v9/text/web_full/entities/index.htm#S
Information on criniviruses:
https://viralzone.expasy.org/287 and
https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2013.00099
Information on potyviruses:
https://viralzone.expasy.org/50
Virus taxonomy via:
https://ictv.global/taxonomy
Information on whitefly vectors:
https://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/species.php?sc=106
- Mod.DHA]