Cause Lilac ring mottle virus can be mechanically transmitted from one plant to another.
Symptoms Leaf deformation, reduction in leaf size, ring spots, and line patterns were observed on cultivars President Grevy and Krasavitsa Moskvy. Symptom expression was influenced by environmental conditions and may be erratic, thus infections may remain undetected for years.
Note: There are variegated cultivars such as S. v. 'Aucubaefolia' that look like they are infected with a virus.
Cultural control
- Infected plants should be removed and destroyed.
- Sanitize pruning and other tools between plants or blocks of plants. Use two tools so a worker can trim or cut with one while the other soaks. When done with a batch, cultivar, etc. switch one tool for the other and allow the used one to soak.
- Sanitation should also be practiced when taking cuttings for propagation.
Reference Sharma-Poudyal, D., Osterbauer, N.K., Putnam, M.L. and Scott, S.W. 2016. First report of Lilac ring mottle virus infecting lilac in the United States. Plant Health Progress 17:158-159.
Van Der Meer, F.A., H. Huttinga, and D.Z. Maat. 1976. Lilac ring mottle virus: isolation from lilac, some properties, and relation to lilac ringspot disease. Neth J Pl Path 82:67-80.