Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd): Caused by a viroid in the Pospiviroidae family, this disease primarily manifests at bloom as “dudding,” where inflorescences develop poorly and trichome production is limited. Additional symptoms include stunting, leaf curling, and brittle stems, though infected plants may also remain asymptomatic. HLVd is transmitted mechanically, commonly via infected propagation stock or contaminated tools during pruning, with infected mother plants serving as a major source of spread. The pathogen has a broad host range, affecting both herbaceous and woody plants.
