The epidemiology and control of tulip breaking virus in Victoria

Abstract

Rapid spread of tulip breaking virus (TBV) in Victoria was associated with aphid flights which occurred during the main tulip growing season from July to November. Attempts to control TBV by using chemical sprays and barrier crops were unsuccessful but aphid-proof cages over tulips prevented spread of the virus. Intensive roguing under the cages eliminated tulips infected with TBV. Healthy tulips grown 275 m distant from infected tulips, but unprotected from migrating aphids, did not become re-infected during two seasons.