Possible virus on Grand Tiara?

[snowberry1]

I posted this on the GardenWeb forum, but the member who replied wasn't sure about the answer. Any help will be much appreciated!

I'm a relative newbie to the hosta world and have become a bit paranoid after reading about hosta viruses. I noticed mottling on some leaves on my Grand Tiara, which was purchased two years go from a hosta specialist nursery. Is this a virus?

[Chris_W]

Hi and sorry for the delay in getting back with you on this one.

Yes, it does look like some kind of virus. I don't think it is HVX, but since this is showing on multiple leaves, new and old, then I do think it is infected with something. There are several different plant viruses that can infect hostas but the prognosis is the same - dig up and discard the plant so the virus doesn't spread to anything else. And clean your tools (scissors, pruners, weeders, shovels) regularly using some kind of cleaner and a scrub brush to remove dirt and plant debris and then wipe with a disinfecting wipe (clorox, lysol, etc.). Getting into the habit of cleaning all the time takes a little getting used to, but is really worth it in the long run. Viruses exist and prevention is key.

Good luck!

Chris

[snowberry1]

Thanks, Chris. It's now been dug up and put in the garbage.

As I was digging it up, I noticed the same type of mottling and markings on the leaves of a wild violet/viola growing very close to the hosta. Now I'm wondering whether one plant may have infected the other.