Chrysanthemum necrosis

Orthotospovirus chrysanthinecrocaulis is the causal agent of chrysanthemum necrosis. This virus belongs to the Tospoviridae family and poses a significant threat to greenhouse floriculture by causing systemic tissue damage. It is a viral disease primarily transmitted by specific insect vectors.

The main host plant is the chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum). The virus can affect both cut flower varieties and potted plants. Infection disrupts cellular metabolic processes, resulting in profound morphological changes throughout the entire plant.

Symptoms of infection include the appearance of necrotic spots, stripes, and rings on the leaves. Deformation of leaf blades, growth stunting, and necrosis of apical shoots are frequently observed. Necrotic streaks may develop on the flowers, rendering the produce commercially unviable.

Warm microclimatic conditions favor the development and spread of the disease. The primary vectors are the Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) and other thrips species. Transmission is persistent: the insect acquires the virus during the larval stage and retains the ability to infect plants throughout its adult life.

Protection measures involve strict phytosanitary control of planting material and the management of insect vectors. Effective control strategies include:

• Using healthy, certified virus-free planting material.
• Regular monitoring of thrips populations using sticky traps.
• Application of broad-spectrum insecticides against virus vectors.
• Prompt removal and destruction of all plants showing symptoms of necrosis.
• Strict adherence to disinfection protocols for tools and greenhouse equipment.