Dutch growers test plants to eliminate hosta virus X

Henk Westerhof, chairman of Anthos, the Royal Dutch Wholesalers Association for Dutch Flower Bulbs and Nursery Stock, said Dutch perennial growers, exporters and Naktuinbouw, an independent Dutch horticulture inspection service, are working cooperatively to resolve the problems related to hosta virus X.

“This voluntary certification process is now core to Holland’s hosta production and ensures that the demands of the North American marketplace for high-quality plant material are being met,” Westerhof said.

Growers voluntarily submit hosta stock to Naktuinbouw, which conducts an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test to determine if plants are infected. A specific ELISA test was developed to detect the virus.

Exporters are able to ask suppliers for ELISA test results as a guarantee that they are shipping virus-free material. Growers use the test results to ensure the quality of replanting stock.

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For more: Anthos, telephone 011 (31) 252 53 5080; www.anthos.org. Naktuinbouw, telephone 011 (31) 71 332 6262; www.naktuinbouw.nl.