Artichoke latent virus

Artichoke latent virus, associated with members of the Nepovirus genus (often cited as Nepovirus cynarae), is a destructive viral pathogen primarily affecting artichoke production. The virus causes systemic infections, which lead to significant physiological stress in susceptible crops and heavy economic losses for growers.

The primary host for this virus is the globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus). However, it can also manifest in various related botanical species within the Asteraceae family. The virus is capable of persisting in the soil and can be introduced into new areas through infected seeds or vegetative propagules.

Symptoms are often distinct, manifesting as chlorotic rings, mosaic patterns on the leaves, and occasional leaf crinkling or deformation. Infected plants generally display stunted growth compared to healthy ones. The most critical impact is observed in the quality of the artichoke heads, which become misshapen and unsuitable for market consumption.

Transmission of the virus occurs via mechanical contact, infected vegetative material, and by soil-borne nematodes that feed on root systems. The virus thrives in conditions where sanitary protocols are neglected, such as reusing infested soil or failing to clean pruning tools between plants, which facilitates the rapid spread of the pathogen.

• Implement strict certification for planting material.
• Control nematode populations in the soil.
• Remove and destroy infected symptomatic plants immediately.
• Disinfect all agricultural tools regularly.
• Maintain weed-free fields to eliminate secondary hosts.

Effective management focuses heavily on prevention and hygiene. Since there are no direct chemical treatments for viral infections, producers must prioritize the removal of primary sources of inoculum. Long-term strategies involve planting resistant varieties and observing appropriate crop rotation cycles to minimize the presence of viral vectors in the field.