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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fort Pierce, Florida » U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory » Subtropical Plant Pathology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #287796
Title: Investigation on the phytosanitary status of major ornamental hibiscus species in Italy to assess virus infection

Author
item TOMASSOLI, LAURA - Agricultural Research Council (CRA)
item MANGLLI, ARIANA - University Of Reggio Calabria
item TIBERINI, ANTONIO - Agricultural Research Council (CRA)
item Adkins, Scott

Submitted to: Acta Horticulturae
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/1/2015
Publication Date: 4/1/2015
Citation: Tomassoli, L., Manglli, A., Tiberini, A., Adkins, S.T. 2015. Investigation on the phytosanitary status of major ornamental hibiscus species in Italy to assess virus infection. Acta Horticulturae. 1072:29-35.

Interpretive Summary: Ornamental hibiscus species can be infected by several species of plant viruses. A study of hibiscus in Italy showed several of these viruses to be widespread.

Technical Abstract: The genus Hibiscus (family Malvaceae) includes more than 250 species that vary from annual to perennial herbs, and shrubs to small trees that are native to tropical, sub-tropical and temperate climates. A study in 2010-2011 examined viruses associated with symptoms observed on hibiscus plants in Italy. Symptoms included chlorotic spots or rings, chlorotic mottling, and in some cases, vein necrosis in older leaves and early leaf yellowing and drop. This study showed that viruses are widely distributed in hibiscus in nurseries and commercial gardens surveyed in Italy.