Hosta hvx - Ask Extension
Is this the dreaded hvx virus? If so, do I need to remove and destroy the hostas around it too?
Knowledgebase
Hosta hvx #866538
Asked April 30, 2024, 7:31 PM EDT
Is this the dreaded hvx virus? If so, do I need to remove and destroy the hostas around it too?
Clermont County Ohio
Expert Response
Hi Cathie.
Without testing we will not be able to confidently says what exactly is happening to your Hosta, but something is definitely not right.
The American Hosta Society, recommends test strips from Agdia.
If you do determine that you have the HVX virus, discard the
diseased plant and do not compost. The virus is spread via sap on contaminated tools so to be safe, please disinfect your tools (10% bleach solution) so not to spread it inadvertently to your other Hostas. They look great by the way.
The Agdia link, more info, and a great little brochure are available here:
How to Identify HVX – Hosta Virus X - American Hosta Society
Note that the brochure says that "the virus was most easily transmitted prior to flowering and when the plant was rapidly growing in spring." so be careful not to let the sap get on your tools if you chose to remove it now.
Wisconsin Extension also recommends discarding infected plants and decontaminating your tools.
Hosta Virus X – Wisconsin Horticulture
Purdue says that thoroughly scrubbing your tools in hot soapy water should be enough.
Hosta Virus X (purduelandscapereport.org)
I hope the above help you decide what to do.
Without testing we will not be able to confidently says what exactly is happening to your Hosta, but something is definitely not right.
The American Hosta Society, recommends test strips from Agdia.
If you do determine that you have the HVX virus, discard the
diseased plant and do not compost. The virus is spread via sap on contaminated tools so to be safe, please disinfect your tools (10% bleach solution) so not to spread it inadvertently to your other Hostas. They look great by the way.
The Agdia link, more info, and a great little brochure are available here:
How to Identify HVX – Hosta Virus X - American Hosta Society
Note that the brochure says that "the virus was most easily transmitted prior to flowering and when the plant was rapidly growing in spring." so be careful not to let the sap get on your tools if you chose to remove it now.
Wisconsin Extension also recommends discarding infected plants and decontaminating your tools.
Hosta Virus X – Wisconsin Horticulture
Purdue says that thoroughly scrubbing your tools in hot soapy water should be enough.
Hosta Virus X (purduelandscapereport.org)
I hope the above help you decide what to do.