TBRV was isolated in France from naturally infected artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) and Veronica persica Poir. (Scrophulariaceae). The identification was based on the host-plant reactions and serological properties of the isolate known as TBRV-A. The virus has been shown to be soil-transmitted and Longidorus attenuatus Hooper has been shown to be present in the rhizosphere of infected plants. This nematode has been shown to transmit the virus to C. scolymus, Nicotiana tabacum L. Xanthi n.c. and Physalis floridana Rydb.