Stem necrosis of aster and Russell prairie gentian caused by Chrysanthemum stem necrosis virus

A new disease causing necrotic streaks on stems and necrosis on leaves of aster ( Callistephus chinensis ) and Russell prairie gentian ( Eustoma grandiflorum ) was observed in Toyama Prefecture, Japan, in September 2009. On the bases of host reactions, serological reactions, viral particle morphology, and the nucleotide sequence of the nucleocapsid protein gene, the causal pathogen was identified as Chrysanthemum stem necrosis virus (CSNV). This report is the first in the world of natural infection of aster and Russell prairie gentian by CSNV. We propose the name “stem necrosis of aster and Russell prairie gentian” for these new diseases.