I understand that there is a test available to determine if a hosta has Hosta virus X (HVX) - a viral disease that causes serious problems on many hosta cultivars. Is there any way for a private individual to get one or more hostas tested or is the test only available to commercial growers? I have many hostas and as far as I know, only one ever had the virus. It was a Hosta 'Guacamole' bought from a small stand at a farmers market. Once I identified the problem (which took a few years to become clear) I disposed of the plant and the surrounding soil. I have avoided planting other hostas in that location and try to be careful cleaning tools etc. but I worry that I may have inadvertently transmitted the virus to some of my older hostas before I knew what the problem was. All my subsequent hostas purchases were from a reputable grower who is very careful about the virus, so I'm assuming they are fine. What is the best way to clean tools to prevent the disease? Do I need to wash my gloves in detergent, or will just leaving them to dry for a few days kill the virus?
I don’t know about Hosta virus — and sad to know it took out your guacamole (one of my favourites) What did your plant look like as it expired? How do you know it had virus? Is this recently? It’s a guess - but I would say next hot dry day - you soap and hot water your tools and gloves (and your wheel barrow and garden boots?) I suppose some people apply bleach too - in proper concentration - tho it is corrosive - but likely a shovel and wheel barrow can withstand it a few times
Here is an interesting article in a 2017 Ontario Hosta club newsletter https://ontariohostasociety.com/newsletters/23-3_OHS-Newsletter.pdf#page11
