New PCR tests for PFBV, PLPV, and tombusviruses in ornamental crops
Publicationdate: 23 april 2025
We are introducing new real-time RT-PCR’s to test for the presence or absence of Pelargonium flower break virus (PFBV, PFBV00), Pelargonium line pattern virus (PLPV, PLPV00) and tombusviruses in leaf material of horticultural crops. The tombusvirus test detects also Pelargonium leaf curl virus (PLCV, PLCV00), Tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV, TBSV00) and Petunia asteroid mosaic virus (PetAMV, PETAMV). Tests will be carried out using the fast, reliable and sensitive real-time RT-PCR.
The real-time PCR is a technique to rapidly propagate DNA
This is done using pathogen-specific building blocks. The increase in DNA can be digitally monitored at any time. This makes it possible to confirm faster and with more certainty whether the pathogen is actually present in (suspected) plant material.
The viruses
PFBV / PLPV
Pelargonium flower break virus (PFBV) and Pelargonium line pattern virus (PLPV) can cause symptoms in Pelargonium, which is also known as geranium (not to be confused with the genus Geranium). PFBV is relatively common in Pelargonium, and easily transmissible from plant to plant via infected plant sap. PLPV is rarer and often found in combination with PFBV. De highest concentration of PLPV can be found in the petiole. With the introduction of the PCR – a sensitive technique – it does not matter whether the petiole or the leaf blade is sampled. This simplifies the test process.
Tombusvirus
All viruses within the genus tombusvirus are mechanically transmissible (with infected plant sap). These viruses can occur in soil, high temperatures in soil can be survived. For transmission via soil, no vector is needed.
Pelargonium leaf curl virus (PLCV), Petunia asteroid mosaic virus (PetAMV) en Tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV) can be detected using the new PCR. Also other viruses occurring in Pelargonium can be detected, e.g. Pelargonium necrotic spot virus. For the complete list of tombusviruses detected using this PCR see the list below.
Acronym - Engelish name - EPPO code
- AMCV - Artichoke mottled crinkle virus - AMCV00
- CBLV - Cucumber Bulgarian latent virus - CBLV00
- CIRV - Carnation Italian ringspot virus - CIRV00
- CNV - Cucumber necrosis virus - CUNV00
- CymRSV - Cymbidium ringspot virus - CYMRSV
- EMCV - Eggplant mottled crinkle virus - EMCV00
(Lisianthus necrosis virus)
(Pear latent virus)
- GALV - Grapevine Algerian latent virus - GALV00
- HRV - Havel river virus - HRV000
- MPV - Moroccan pepper virus - MPV000
(Lettuce necrotic stunt virus)
- NRV - Neckar river virus - NRV000
- PetAMV - Petunia asteroid mosaic virus - PETAMV
- PLCV - Pelargonium leaf curl virus - PLCV00
- PNSV - Pelargonium necrotic spot virus - PNSV00
- SWBV - Sikte waterborne virus - SWBV00
- TBSV - Tomato bushy stunt virus - TBSV00
PFBV, PLPV, or Tombusvirus PCR at plant material
- Sample: maximum 2, 10 or 25 leaf (pieces)
- Fee test: € 9,20, € 17,70 and € 48,90 respectively
- Duration of test: 4 days
For basic fees see price list 2025.
Naktuinbouw Laboratories supports sector
To support the sector, Naktuinbouw Laboratories continues to develop new tests that can support diagnoses on plants and seeds with symptoms or just checking for and guaranteeing absence from certain plant pathogens.