A review of the plant virus and viroid records for Tasmania

Abstract

A review of the records of plant viruses, viroids and phytoplasmas in Tasmania has found evidence for 51 viruses and one viroid. Based on insufficient evidence, 22 viruses and reports of at least three phytoplasmas are unconfirmed. Most of these unconfirmed pathogens are probably present but further work is required to confirm this. Forty two of the listed viruses are aphid transmitted, including 15 potyviruses, 8 carlaviruses and 8 luteoviruses. Only one leafhopper and one whitefly transmitted virus are reported. One new viroid and eighteen new virus records are included. As well as infecting weeds, agricultural and horticultural species, some of the viruses have invaded Tasmania’s native flora.