Viroid ecology in hops (<i>Humulus lupulus</i> L.): high prevalence in commercial systems but low presence in wild populations.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Hop (Humulus lupulus L.), a vital crop in the brewing industry, is increasingly threatened by infections caused by viroids and viruses. The extensive use of vegetative propagation in hop cultivation facilitates the accumulation and dissemination of these pathogens. However, little is known about their prevalence and ecological behavior in non-commercial settings. This study provides a comprehensive overview of viroid and virus infections across Germany, with particular attention to their occurrence and potential transmission across commercial, settlement, and wild hop populations.

Methods

Between 2020 and 2023, 418 hop leaf samples from commercial (n = 345), settlement (n = 29), and wild (n = 44) populations were collected. Viroid and

SUBMITTER: Jagani S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12813154 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature