Galanthus Viruses

[Brian Ellis]

I found some G. elwesii plants with yellowish striped leaves, after strong frosts this symtomes are clearer to see. I think, this is a virus and selected this plants!

Yes it certainly looks well virused Harald-Alex, it obviously had virus to start with and the stress of the weather has increased the signs

[Palustris]

Not being a real galanthrophile nor have any knowledge of virus, is this a sign of said illness? Bought as Augustus.
TIA.

[Harald-Alex.]

Yes it certainly looks well virused Harald-Alex, it obviously had virus to start with and the stress of the weather has increased the signs

thank You, Brian, I have removed this plants. It is better to select hard, that the virus has no change, to spead!
All the thousands other snowdrops are green or bluegreen, as usual! Greetings from East-Germany   -  Harald

[RoryOH]

As a Galanthus newbie, I’d appreciate some expert advice on whether this is virus-related. First image is G. South Hayes, with very evident leaf folding but otherwise flowered fine.
The second is G. Primrose Warburg, with color break on the leaves. Again it flowered ok.

[Alan_b]

I would be pretty certain your 'Primrose Warburg' has a virus.  I had several snowdrops in a small area develop similar discolouration so it is certainly infectious.  I disposed of all but one which I moved to a very isolated area.  it looks dreadfully sick this year (which is two years later).

 

When I visited Avon Bulbs last year they indicated that leaf folding was indicative of a virus.  This was new to me and I have never seen this documented as a virus symptom but Avon Bulbs know their snowdrops. 

[RoryOH]

Thank you Alan, I suppose I will, reluctantly, destroy G. Primrose Warburg but will likely quarantine South Hayes to assess again next year.
By the way, I purchased both as dormant bulbs last August. Perhaps the lesson is only ever purchase ‘in the green’?

[David Lowndes]

I was surprised to learn this year that South Hayes is known for this, what is considered to be, virus induced leaf deformity.  I’ve been looking at South Hayes (including my own) all season and nearly all of them have it.

[mallthorn]

Good morning,
I need advice regarding the below yellow spotting on a plant that I presume is fungal rather than viral.
What is the cause and is there a remedy rather than destroying the affected plant, and are there preventable measures in the future.
Regards, Malcolm

[Anne Repnow]

Yes, David, all 'South Hayes' I know of have this leaf deformity and some other green-marked have it, too (eg. 'Wol Staines'). However I do not think it affects their growth or is very infectious.

Malcolm: I think those spots are nothing to worry about. Water them with mycorrhiza (Trichoderma harzianum for example) and your plant will be fine next year.

I have had a problem with virus on 'Madelaine' this year and I am pretty certain that the original culprit was a small narcissus, that showed extremely mottled virused leaves. All removed and put in the rubbish bin... :-( Have any of you heard of virus spreading from Narcissus to Galanthus?

[mallthorn]

Malcolm: I think those spots are nothing to worry about. Water them with mycorrhiza (Trichoderma harzianum for example) and your plant will be fine next year.

Thank you Anne, I have bought some TNC TricorrP5 from The Nutrient Company for the affected plant. I do not want to loose it so am now hopeful with your reply.

[Janos]

There are some viruses which can affect Galanthus species. We are currently researching Galanthus viruses in Hungary both in gardens and in nature. What we see is that some viruses do not show symptoms at all. If you want to throw a plant away, please don't we welcome any additions to our research.
I would recommend not planting Galanthus near daffodils, as daffodils are often infected with multiple virus species.