Potato spindle tuber viroid

Photo by Plant Protection Service Archive, Plant Protection Service, Bugwood.org

Primary hosts are tomato, potato and avocado
PSTVd symptoms can be confused with other virus and viroid infections
Mild strains show no or minor symptoms
Severe strains induce leaves to curl downwards and become spindly with a rough surface and darker colour
Tubers become small, spindly and elongated, and may have growth cracks
Spread can occur through seed, tubers or mechanical transmission

High priority pest of: Potatoes, Vegetables

Scientific name: Potato spindle tuber viroid (Pospiviroidae) (exotic strains)
EPPRD Category: 3
Life Form: Virus