A Necrotic Disease of Forced Tulips Caused by Tobacco Necrosis Viruses

Tobacco necrosis viruses were found to be the cause of severe necrotic disease which occurred in forced tulips in three different nurseries. From 20 to 50% of some varieties, e.g. Alberio, Korneforus, Crater, Rose Copland and Krelage's Triumph were affected, whereas others growing under the same conditions remained apparently healthy. The characteristic symptoms of the disease are necrotic spots and streaks, which cause much stunting and twisting and soon kill small plants. The disease was reproduced by inoculating healthy tulips with tobacco necrosis viruses.