PSTVd was confirmed in samples from tomato and capsicum crops from two properties just north of Perth.
DPIRD is undertaking delimiting surveillance to determine if the disease is present in production areas.
Growers have been asked to support DPIRD鈥檚 surveys by monitoring their crops and reporting both the absence of signs of the disease or any suspect symptoms to the department.
The department is working closely with vegetablesWA and the Potato Growers Association of Western Australia to assist growers to implement meticulous onfarm hygiene measures to limit the risk of disease spread.
PSTVd, which can cause production and quality losses, has been periodically detected in Carnarvon in field grown crops of tomato, capsicum and chilli since 2007. It has never been detected in potato growing areas of the State.
DPIRD Chief Plant Biosecurity Officer Sonya Broughton said adopting high quality hygiene practices and regular monitoring would help limit the disease.
Dr Broughton said it was important to report observations to DPIRD to make a correct diagnosis, as symptoms could easily be confused with nutrient deficiency or toxicity, spray damage, insect damage or plant viruses.
鈥淪ymptoms usually become apparent when the plant is about eight to 16 weeks of age, depending on the crop and environmental conditions,鈥 she said.
鈥淚n mature tomato plants severe infection can cause leaflet curling, twisting and stunting, as well as purple and yellowing of the leaves and a bunching effect.
鈥淐apsicum and chilli PSTVd symptoms are more subtle, such as slight leaf distortion and wavy edges.
鈥淲ith potatoes, infected tubers may be small, elongated and cracked, while the eyes can be more pronounced and the leaf size may also be reduced and stems more upright, longer and slender between leaves.鈥
PSTVd is transmitted through small wounds in the leaf surface, caused by contact between healthy and diseased plant sap.
There are currently no registered control treatments for PSTVd, highlighting the importance of strict onfarm hygiene measures to prevent disease spread.
The has detailed information on disease symptoms, onfarm hygiene measures and monitoring and reporting measures.
Report suspect PSTVd symptoms to the department via the or to its Pest and Disease Information Service on +61 (0)8 9368 3080, email padis@dpird.wa.gov.au
Samples of leaves or tubers can be sent for testing to and clearly marked as 鈥榮uspect potato spindle tuber viroid鈥 and the appropriate HortGuard box ticked.
For more information about PSTVd symptoms, monitoring and control measures .
