The previous owners of our house had TRV infected Hostas that I consolidated into one shade bed. I didn't know that at the time (thought the leaves were just getting sunburnt) but the yellow mottling on the Bleeding Heart leaves that I planted next to the Hostas was the clincher. For those with experience with this plant virus and transmission.... Will 3-5 month composting of 'end of season' plant matter be enough to kill the virus or it's vectors (soil nematodes)? If I leave the bed intact, will the virus (& vectors) continue to spread even if suitable host plants are not present (ie. grasses, lavender, etc.)? Has anyone had any experience in eliminating TRV or other viruses from established perennial beds? I can do good hygiene so I'm only really concerned about natural virus migration. Simon
Just saw this. I hope someone helps out here. I had a hosta that I had to remove 2 years ago because of virus. I destroyed the plant and have not planted another hosta in that spot. At the moment, I cannot honestly remember what I did replace it with. I haven't noticed any effect on anything near the spot or in whatever it is that I used as a replacement, but I am keeping a watchful eye, particularly on other hostas in that area. I was taught to destroy any plant matter that is diseased. That means bagging it (sealed) and putting it in with garbage for collection. I won't even burn it. I am paranoid about putting anything in the compost piles that might possibly cause a problem. I am, no doubt, too cautious. I was interested in your comment about the bleeding hearts. I have lost 5 plants in the few years I have been here. I am now wondering if they too had virus infection. I guess I wasn't paying particular attention to them.
