Hosta Virus X (HVX)

Hosta virus X (genus Potexvirus, family Alphaflexiviridae)

1 host plant · Viral

Last updated

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. Pr...
Favorable Conditions
Mechanical transmission through wound contact with infected sap; no specific ...

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.