Officials confirm Hosta Virus X in Connecticut

Hosta Virus X (HVX) was confirmed for the first time in late 2006 in New London County, Conn., said Bob Heffernan, executive secretary at the Connecticut Nursery & Landscape Association.

Six cultivars tested positive: ‘Francee,’ ‘Ginko Craig,’ ‘Hyacinthina,’ ‘Minuteman,’ ‘Patriot’ and ‘Wide Brim.’

Symptoms are highly variable among varieties and include leaf distortion and discoloration, chlorotic mottling, general necrosis and leaf spotting.

Infected hostas may not show symptoms for weeks, months or years. Detection of HVX is possible by using an ELISA antibody-based test. There is no cure for the virus. All infected plants must be destroyed.

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For more: Connecticut Nursery & Landscape Association, P.O. Box 414, Botsford, CT 06404; (203) 445-0110; www.flowersplantsinct.com.