Hosta Virus X (HVX)

Hosta virus X (genus Potexvirus, family Alphaflexiviridae)

1 host plant · Viral

Last updated

What Should I Do?

  • Purchase from reputable nurseries that test for HVX or source from virus-indexed stock.
  • Inspect new plants for ink-bleed and mottling symptoms before planting.
  • Sterilize tools (10% bleach or 70% alcohol) between plants, especially when dividing or cutting back.
Full management details ↓

Quick Reference

Agent Type
viral
Causal Agent
Hosta virus X (genus Potexvirus, family Alphaflexiviridae)
Host Plants
1
Spread
Sap transmission on contaminated tools, hands, and other contact surfaces. Propagation of infected stock is the largest spread mechanism in trade.
Favorable Conditions
Mechanical transmission through wound contact with infected sap; no specific environmental trigger.

Management

Vulnerability Window

Year-round; any wound (division, cutting, mowing damage) is a potential entry.

What Triggers Infection

Mechanical transmission through wound contact with infected sap; no specific environmental trigger.

Cultural Controls

  • Purchase from reputable nurseries that test for HVX or source from virus-indexed stock.
  • Inspect new plants for ink-bleed and mottling symptoms before planting.
  • Sterilize tools (10% bleach or 70% alcohol) between plants, especially when dividing or cutting back.
  • Remove and destroy confirmed-infected plants; do not compost.
  • Avoid propagating from any plant showing ambiguous symptoms; test before division if uncertain.

Host Plants (1)

Sources & References

Primary: PNW Plant Disease Management Handbook

  • American Hosta Society — HVX Information
Data Maturity
Structured Multiple sources. Expert review underway.