As shown in this study, the two isolates
of TuMV from radish and lisianthus also
were capable of infecting calla lily and
inducing yellow stripe and spot symptoms
similar to those incited by YC5 and RC4.
Our results suggest that the ability to infect
calla lily is a common characteristic among
TuMV strains. This is further supported by
our observations that TuMV-infected plants
frequently were found in calla lily fields
adjacent to cabbage or radish (data not
shown). Thus, the virus is disseminated
from TuMV-infected cruciferous plants to
calla lily plants by alate aphids. The occur-
rence of TuMV in calla lily in Taiwan
probably is not a unique case. This can
happen in any geographical areas where
both calla lily and cruciferous crops are
grown side by side. This may be the reason
why TuMV was found in calla lily bulbs
imported to Taiwan. TuMV induces severe
systemic symptoms on calla lily. Its infec-
tion will jeopardize calla lily production.
Appropriate measures to avoid or exclude
TuMV from the mother stocks of calla lily
should be implemented in countries where
calla lily seedlings or bulbs are produced.