Hops Latent Viroid (HPLVd) Protocol

The Prime Cuts Clean Stock System


Clean Stock Tiers

We maintain a structured stock system to reduce exposure and protect our highest-value plants:

  • Foundation stock kept under the strictest controls

  • Mother/Donor stock used for production cuttings

  • Propagation lots tracked from donor to shipment

This tiered approach helps us isolate risk, maintain consistency, and quickly trace any issue back to its source.

Routine HLVd Testing and Verification

Testing is the backbone of our prevention program. We use molecular testing (PCR-based screening) through qualified labs and internal sampling protocols to verify plant status over time.

Our testing program includes:

  • Regular testing of donor mothers on a scheduled cadence

  • Quarantine testing for incoming genetics (see below)

  • Lot-level verification based on our production workflow and risk controls

  • Targeted testing of any plant flagged for concern (even if symptoms are subtle)

We also prioritize best-practice sampling methods for reliable detection (including root-based sampling where appropriate), and we maintain clear records tied to plant IDs and lots.

Quarantine for New Genetics

Any new genetic material represents a potential entry point for HLVd. That’s why Prime Cuts uses a strict quarantine-and-release process:

  • Incoming plants are held in a separate quarantine area

  • They are tested prior to release

  • They must meet our release criteria before entering our main nursery pipeline

No plant moves into our production system without documented clearance.

Tool & Touch Sanitation: Stopping Mechanical Spread

HLVd is most efficiently spread through mechanical transfer (sap on tools, hands, gloves, and shared surfaces). Our protocol is designed to break that chain.

Key measures include:

  • Single-use blades for critical cutting operations whenever feasible

  • Zone-dedicated tools (tools do not move freely between rooms)

  • Mandatory glove protocols, including glove changes during cutting workflows

  • Validated disinfectant stations and contact-time compliance

  • Clean-first, disinfect-second sanitation practices (organic matter is removed before disinfection)

Facility Biosecurity and Workflow Controls

We manage risk by controlling how people and plants move through the facility:

  • Defined clean-to-dirty workflow (no backtracking through production areas)

  • Restricted access to donor and clean stock rooms

  • Dedicated PPE practices for sensitive areas

  • Clear labeling and segregation of lots to prevent mix-ups

This isn’t just “cleaning”—it’s a designed process to prevent cross-contamination.

Water and Surface Hygiene

Because pathogens can move through shared infrastructure, we also control environmental risk:

  • Routine sanitation of benches, propagation surfaces, trays, and high-contact equipment

  • Practices designed to prevent runoff contact between lots

  • Regular cleaning and verification of irrigation hardware (as appropriate to each room’s system)

Traceability: Know the Mother, Know the Lot

Every production lot is tracked so we can confirm lineage and respond quickly if needed. Our traceability includes:

  • Donor mother IDs used for each batch

  • Date-stamped lot labeling through propagation and finishing

  • Testing records tied to plant groups and timelines

  • Documented sanitation and training logs

This gives customers confidence—and gives us the ability to act fast if anything ever looks off.

What Happens If We Ever Detect a Positive?

Our approach is direct and protective:

  • Affected material is immediately placed on hold

  • Confirmatory testing is initiated

  • We perform trace-back and trace-forward to identify any linked lots

  • Confirmed positives are removed from production, followed by enhanced sanitation and review

Protecting the integrity of our nursery comes before everything else.

Quick FAQ

How often do you test?
We test on scheduled intervals appropriate for donor stock and quarantine material, and we apply additional testing when risk indicators appear.

How do you prevent spread during cutting?
We use strict tool and glove protocols, including single-use cutting blades in critical workflows and dedicated sanitation stations.

Do you quarantine new genetics?
Yes. New genetics are isolated and tested before entering our production pipeline.