Hop stunt viroid (HSVd), a significant pathogen of some hop cultivars, was detected for the first time in hops Australia. Plants were tested graft-transmissible pathogens prior to their use research trials. Upon observing symptoms indicative potential infection, RNA extracted and amplified using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR); HSVd identity confirmed by sequencing.

Viroids are non-encapsidated, non-coding, circular, single-stranded RNAs (ssRNAs). They are classified into the families Pospiviroidae and Avsunviroidae, whose members replicate in the nucleus and chloroplast of plant cells, respectively. Viroids have a wide host range, including crop and ornamental plants, and can cause devastating diseases with significant economic losses. Thus, several viroi...