Co-Authors:
Gera, A., Dept. of Virology, ARO, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
Beckelman, E., Dept. of Virology, ARO, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
Katzir, P., Dept. of Virology, ARO, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
Tam, Y., Dept. of Virology, ARO, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
Spiegel, S., Dept. of Virology, ARO, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
Zeidan, M., Plant Protection and Inspection Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
Abstract:
Plant virus diseases like diseases caused by other pathogens appear to be proliferating at ever-increasing rates. Over the past several years there has been an increase in new and emerging plant virus diseases. Global over-population and activities that disrupt the natural ecological balances between pathogens and hosts demonstrate that, directly and indirectly man continues to be instrumental in the spread and establishment of new diseases. In light of growing international concern for crop biosecurity, new, emerging and threatening plant viral diseases are receiving greater attention. Improved and coordinated viral disease surveillance systems, enhanced global response capacity, and education and training of a multidisciplinary workforce are needed to adequately address new and emerging viral diseases. We present an updated list of new viruses and viroids, detected within the last five years. The list includes both new virus and known viruses in new ornamental hosts.