Hop Latent Viroid Pathogen Perspectives – Origins, Greed, and What Comes Next?
June 1, 2023
One perspective suggests that the viroid’s spread can be attributed to greed within the industry. The focus on creating unstable hybrid strains and relying on cuttings from a selected mother plant, rather than stable seeds, has destabilized genetics and created opportunities for pathogens to thrive. This perspective places blame on both growers and seed producers who prioritize quick profits over long-term stability.