I would say they are OK. As Gold Standards change color during the season, I think this is the natural color as it makes that change (I sure hope so because I have noticed some of the same thing going on with mine).

They look OK,to me also! I have 15 of them. Phil

Are you sure it is Gold Standard, I expect it to have more round leaves.

Are you sure it is Gold Standard, I expect it to have more round leaves.

Good point (no pun intended). I did buy four of them from an established hosta grower in my area. I would be interested in hearing opinions on what you all think they could be otherwise!

Either way...I am feeling a little relief since nobody has jumped up and shouted HVX!

Kristy :)

Here is one of my five GS from earlier this year...

Very nice~ and pointy too. Who's the streaked fella to the left?

I feel like I've been pummeling people with ID questions...I'm clearly getting primed for hosta shopping again. It's been a whole year!

Kristy :)

Here's my Gold Standard. Always has been one of my favorites.

Beautiful!!! Much larger than mine...and more rounded like EO mentioned. I am wondering if mine is pointier because it is so young?
Kristy :)

Kristy - the one on the left is a old Undulata that has a misted/streaked center and plenty of mostly green leaves. American Halo on the right.

By the way - Iowa Flower Nut, nice large GS you have.

Thank you. It is probably 6 or 7 years old. I believe it was my "first". LOL!

Kristy, I'll be the contrarian. On the bottom picture -DSCF7029- the two leaves at 12 o'clock and directly below it look to have suspicious markings on them and a close-up of those leaves would give a better idea of what might be going on. The same with the leaf at 5.30 on the top picture, a better close-up will tell more. Did you acquire these fairly recently and from what source?

its infected

ken

I've been doing some reading up on HVX and have to agree with Ken and pietertje that there is a probability that you have it on your Gold Standard. One symptom that is indicative of HVX in my research has been blue or green mottleds markings in the lighter green or yellow portion of the leaves. This seems to be the deal with your GS when I open it in a new tab for a larger picture. Here is a very good article with great close up pictures of HVX on leaves that have a more advanced case.

The article has some great information on some possibilities of how it is spread, what is being done to "cure" it, how to prevent it's spread, and how to test for it conclusively.

Tracy

Here is a link that might be useful: DG Article on HVX with Pictures

Definitely infected, with several leaves showing very distinct signs of HVX, and many other leaves showing more subtle signs. Sorry to say it, but the plant should be bagged and discarded immediately. Use a shovel that you don't plan to use anywhere else in the hosta bed, soak the shovel in disinfectant for 24 hours after digging, and either don't plant anything in that hole until next spring, or plant something there that isn't going to get the virus. If it's recently purchased, take the bagged plant back to the seller and ask for a refund. Also ask that they quit selling virused Gold Standard, now that they know about the problem.

I've seen hundreds of infected Gold Standard in the last few years. Every single GS at Lowe's was horribly infected last year. Striptease is another variety that has a huge problem with HVX, and this year I even saw it in Golden Tiara and Halcyon at the local box stores. I simply don't buy any hostas at box stores any more--it's not worth the risk, no matter how tempting the deal is, or how nice the plant looks.

Lots of reputable nurseries are having problems with this too, as the virus doesn't always show up in a young plant. The tissue culture labs in Holland, which have always be absolutely scrupulous in keeping their plants disease free, have really dropped the ball on this one, and there are now hundreds of thousands of infected hostas out there. All we can do is keep a very careful eye on our gardens, and immediately dig and discard any infected plants. It's difficult to do, and I feel sorry for the hosta collectors. On the other hand, remember that some nurseries are having to rip out large numbers of plants that were purchased a year or two ago to be grown for sale, and not only are they losing their plants, but a part of their livelihood.

Don't expect that buying from a reputable nursery, even a hosta specialist, is a guarantee that the plants are virus free. The difference between a box store and a good nursery is that the good nursery will refund your money if a plant is virused, or replace it with something else, and then take steps to eliminate the virused variety from their stock. The only ways to guarantee that you are buying a virus free plant is to purchase only hostas that were divided off a mature plant of sufficient age to be sure it wasn't virused, or buy hostas that were originally tissue culture, but that have been grown in the ground for enough years to be sure they are clean, or to buy only plants that have been tested for HVX. There are hosta sellers who have these plants available, but with the strong reliance on tissue culture plants over the last 10 years, and the emphasis on selling very small, immature plants, it takes some work to find a seller with mature divisions. For varieties that are known to have a major virus issue, either find divisions from a mature plant, a tested plant, or find a different variety to purchase.

And how old....how big does a plant have to be before you can be sure it's "clean"?
I have 2 Gold Standards that I bought at Lowes or Walmart or some such in 02 or possibly 03. They are huge and look good....am I safe with them?
Linda C

Thank you for the info. Here are close-ups of the leaves with issues.

I really appreciate the input you all are giving.
Kristy

Kristy, may I recommend that you not only disinfect the shovel that you dig the GS up with but also all of your gardening tools. It is suspected that transfer of the virus is mostly through the sap of the infected hosta. Once you use your pruners, shovel, etc. on it and then other hosta in your garden there is a high chance of infection throughout. HVX can take several years before it shows any sign on the hostas. I would seriously hesitate in sending any in trades.

Ruby, buy a test kit from Agdia (others may carry them too), and test them to be sure. The kits run about $27.50 plus shipping for 5 strips. You need test only one plant. If that one tests positive, toss or return them all. Lois

Of course it pains me to see all the Gold Standard that has been infected - while passing through two local big box stores this past weekend, all their hosta (besides Gold Standard) showed stress signs.

One small insight which may help those of you new to hosta and Gold Standard: during the 1980's and 1990's it was so popular a hosta (probably the number one selling perennial overall for a few years back then) that the very large commercial propagators in Holland grew them in the fields, not by tissue culture.

The infection mode of action comes when they dig them and wash them - infected soil, gravel, sand, infected the wash water which infected the root masses they were cleaning and then shipped over here for growout by large nurseries.

Having seen the Holland field growing operations/root washing in person, and knowing the infection process, it will not go away until they change their process (which they can't do the way they are structured).

Advice: if it looks diseased, throw it out, disinfect the equipment/area and start over. They are still available from good quality sources; it may take some effort to find them.

Striptease, a Gold Standard sport grows well under the same field propagation methods - thus the same result.

Bruce Banyai

Sorry ya'll,but I still don't see HVX on Kristy's plants. Gold Standards always have some wonky-looking leaves. I actually have a couple Gold Standards that have HVX,and believe me they don't look like that! I have many others that are normal and look great. Am I going to dig up and destroy the ones with HVX? Absolutely NOT! They have been here for 5 years,and have never spread HVX to any other plant. If you see a plant with obvious HVX,then don't BUY it!! It's that simple! The Dutch are going to keep on sending their crappy plants in the little bags,forever,to the USA,and uninformed people are going to keep on buying them,not knowing what they have. I was one of them years ago,but no more. That's why I always buy plants in pots,where I can see what I'm getting. If you all want to keep on destroying your plants,because they look a little different,or someone tells you to get rid of it,then that's your prerogative! I think I have alienated all of you "experts",by now,so I'll get off my soapbox,and get back to enjoying my hostas! Hosta Freak

Oh, I am so confused (and concerned because we had a LOT of hail damage and I had to trim all of my hostas about a month ago....Gold Std. being in the mix and of course I move along to the next hosta not knowing if anyone is sick).

Okay, where do I get the test kit from? Are they sold in local stores or do I order them online?

Thanks!
Kristy :)

Kristy, I bought mine from agdia.com. Nice people, quick delivery and, I hope, a good product. I had a Summer Music that was very deformed and full of blue inkbleed. It tested positive. My Niagara Falls was just a little suspicious looking, and it tested negative. I hope you have good results. Lois

Kristy - get the test kit and find out for sure. I did not see any photos on the DG article that look like yours and I agree with Hosta Freak that this could be normal. I was looking at photos of HVX mottled leaf coloration on the American Hosta Society's website recently and HVX can have some strange looks, so best to get it tested.

Just curious....what harm is there if I wait and see if this issue progresses? If this is HVX and my hostas are placed three feet apart are the neighboring hostas at risk if I leave the Gold Std. where they are? I read that it spreads through sap (I already knew about cutting tools and shovels etc....but what about the root system?

Again...just curious! I don't want to risk the life of the other hostas.

I just sent an email to agdia regarding the test kit. We'll see what happens.

Kristy :\

I'm not really answering my own question but I am reading an article written by Dr. Ben Lockhart and came across the statement that "Fortunately, you can plant another hosta at the site of a removed infected plant because the virus is only found in the plant itself, not in the soil around it. If any roots of the infected hosta remain in the soil they will die quickly, and the virus cannot survive in dead tissue. We suggest waiting a week or two before replanting, just as a precaution."

Anyone heard anything to the contrary by this same fellow? I'd keep reading but I have a class to go to. I'll be back later. I look forward to reading what everyone has to offer!

Kristy :)

I hate to say it but your Gold Standard looks like mine did last year. I suspected HVX but didn't want to believe it since I've had the hosta for several years. Well, I didn't dig it up last year but when it came up this year, bigger than ever, it looked worse. I finally had to admit to myself that it was indeed infected. I sadly dug it up in mid-June. :-(

Diane

FYI I called Agdia (the company that sells HVX strips). Since I have several plants of questionable origin, I didn't want to plant them until I knew if they could be susceptible to HVX in the future (they are showing no symptoms at this point). The person that worked for the company said that if a Hosta has been exposed to the virus, the tests will show it even tho the H has no observable symptoms and may not exhibit them for a long time. I think Ken already gave us this same info but I wasn't sure--is that right Ken? Thanks Tracyvine for referring the article on HVX--very informative. Mary

Kristy, I am no expert but I think the markings on your GS look like the early signs of HVX. I would definitely purchase the test kit to find out for certain. Don't do anything until you know for certain. That is why I posted the DG article link. They have all the main points regarding what to do if you suspect it and links on who to contact for the test kits. I still stand by my earlier comments about disinfecting all your tools and to not trade hosta. I say be safe and not sorry. I am hoping like crazy that you don't have it. Saying a little prayer for you!

Diane, did you take any pictures of yours last year and this year? I would love to see some early signs and progression of the virus from one year to the next. The Pics on Dave's are all of advanced cases.

Well, I usually live by the saying "better safe than sorry". I am waiting to hear back about ordering the test kit.

I appreciate the help, all the opinions and even the little prayer! :)

I doubt that I'd be able to get an exchange for these plants...I have no idea where that darned receipt went (bought them last July). But I won't stop buying hostas from these folks. When I go pick out a new hosta (or two...) in a couple of weeks I will take it up with them if I find my Gold Stds. are infected.

Thanks again!
Kristy :)

Hi Lois. I received an email back fro agdia and they sent me a pdf file with "guidelines" for first-time buyers. It seems a little strange to me and was wondering if you had to jump through hoops or fill out forms before placing your order? And did you receive your kit via mail or did you have to have it sent via courier or shipped in a special manner?

If I could copy and paste the form I would. It just seems unusual to me....and now I'm not sure what to do. If I should just go to my local hosta grower and explain my situation and see what they have to offer? I don't want to dig up plants that aren't diseased yet I don't want to risk my other plants getting sick.

Thanks!
Kristy

Kristy, I just called them. The phone number should be listed on their website. Tell them you are a gardener, and that you want the test for home use. I spoke to a really knowledgeable and friendly woman who was also a hostaphile. They mailed the kit to me, and I got it within a few days. No forms; no hoops.

According to Agdia, Ben Lockhart, the University of Minnesota professor and researcher who identified the virus, worked very closely with them to develop the test. They said, of all the tests they produce for various plant diseases, viruses, etc., the test for HVX is the most accurate, 99%.

I hope this helps. Good luck.

Thanks so much, Lois! I will give them a call!
Kristy :)

Am I going to dig up and destroy the ones with HVX? Absolutely NOT! They have been here for 5 years,and have never spread HVX to any other plant.

Hostafreak, you're keeping diseased plants around. That's your privilege. Just like some people deliberately purchase tulips that are TBV infected, simply because they like the effect it produces. Never mind that TBV also spreads very easily to other species, such as lilies for example -unfortunately I know this from experience and have lost a substantial number of lilies to it. At the moment there is no known transfer of HVX to any other plant species, but, I suspect that's simply a matter of time. And while there is no indication of insect vector transfer of HVX the way there is with TBV, why take a chance by keeping known diseased plants in the garden. But, it's your choice in the end.

Hosta Freak,

Hi, I am just curious,if the HVX virus deformes the plant and makes it ugly,why would you want to keep it around?

Don't you want every thing im your garden to be beautiful?
You work so hard in planting and maintaining a garden.What Is your reason to want to keep an infected plant?

Just want to hear your side.

Carol

Carol,I only have a few of them,and they aren't that ugly,in my opinion. The thing is,I don't move my hostas every other weekend like a lot of you do. They aren't near other hostas ,and they aren't hurting anyone,but obviously it bothers everyone else on the forum,so I guess I'll quit aggrivating ya'll about it! They aren't doing anything except living OK where they are,so I won't post about it any more! Maybe I'll just keep my opinions about hostas to myself,since there are so many "experts" out there,who know far more about them! Phil

Phill,
I don't know a lot about hosta,but i can grow them,ha ha.
It is your business how you want to keep your hosta, i just think every one is really affraid of this virus,you have posted here before and you know enough about not trading with any one,so, i would hope you will continue to stay with us,we all learn from each other.

Maybe you can keep a chart,and pictures,from year to year,it would be interesting to see just what happens after a few years,since you are going to keep them any way.
I believe we all have something to offer,big or small,and i know most every one here feels the same way.
Carol

Phil,
I could care less what you grow in your garden. But I would care if you didn't post anymore as you continually share so much interesting info and great pics. And how else can we keep up with the rain situation in N.Car???? Like Carol, I would love to hear of your first hand observations of HVX. It would be just one more avenue to understanding the disease that most of us are afraid to take. Mary

Phil I am going to climb out on the limb with you. I have been collecting hostas for about 10 years. I am not sure how many I have but i would estimate between 250 to 300. I have never seen any signs of hvx at all in my garden, however, I have one of my own "babies" that I grew from seed collected from my own hosta that looks like it has it pretty bad. I do not have the heart to destroy it and in fact I think its mottled look is kinda pretty. I also like to cruise the big box stores to see if they have something I don't, but I am careful not to buy plants that seem to be infected and I always plant these in containers where I can keep an eye on them. Again I say except for the one plant that MIGHT be infected, all my hostas are fine. As for the rain situation in NC I can tell you this: It didn't rain for about six months when my husband was fine and able to mow the grass. He broke his leg and ankle on June 27th and I had to take over all of the yard work and I swear it seems like it has rained just about every d*#n day since!! The grass is growing like crazy.

I was doing a little more reading up on HVX and found the 2007 update from hosta library. I will be posting the link for the full article.

Here is a quote to the home gardener:

Hosta Virus X - Fall 2007 Update
by Bill Meyer

"GARDENER ALERT!!! This summer I think it is time to declare a moratorium on cutting flower scapes or cutting off hail- or frost-damaged foliage. These practices are just too risky in times like these. Hosta gardeners around the world must now accept the possibility that they may have an infected plant or two in their collection. There are just too many infected plants out there to feel very safe about it. I think we should all stop these and other sap spreading practices for a period of three years while we wait and check to see if any plants are showing HVX symptoms. This could make the difference between tossing a plant or two and ruining half of our collections. If you must cut hostas, you can do it safely by cleaning your tools after each plant. Use bleach or ammonia and clean them thoroughly."

I would hope that you who choose to keep infected hosta document their growth and take pictures of them every month or so from one season to the next and create a post here documenting the progression, possible improvements, or disappearance of symptoms as these hosta mature. I think it would be a fantastic learning experience for all of us if you are willing to share your findings.

As far as I have been able to tell so far there has been no documentation of hosta that have been allowed to continue with the disease. All are encouraged to discard infected plants. The possibility of crossing over to other species of plants exists as well. If the hosta are given a chance to grow and develop a resistance/immunity to the virus we may never know if someone does not document the progress of the virus within their own gardens.

Here is a link that might be useful: 2007 HVX Update from HL

A final statement on my HVX plants,and then I won't mention it ever again! I have only a few plants like that,and they never move anywhere. I have well over 300 plants,counting seedlings. Less than 5 of them have HVX.. I would never give,or trade anyone an infected plant! I don't buy plants that are suspicious. These plants came from bagged hostas,from more than 5 years ago,before I knew anything about hostas,period. If anyone mentions HVX again,I promise not to ever post about it again! My biggest concern around here in western NC,is drought! We had less than 1/2 inch in June,and so far in July,1and1/4 inches. Believe me when I tell you this,dying of thirst will kill my hostas long before anything else comes along!! Now let's get the back to the pleasure of growing,and enjoying hostas! Phil

Geeeez, Phil!