Parsnip yellow fleck virus (PYFV) first described in 1968 is the type species of the genus Sequivirus (family Sequiviridae). Two different strains, differing slightly in their host ranges and strikingly in their serological properties, have been differentiated and are referred to as the Anthriscus and parsnip strains (or serotypes) . The principal natural hosts of the parsnip strain are parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L.), celery (Apium dulce Mill.), and the wild plant Heracleum sphondylium (hogweed), which acts as overwintering host . The Anthriscus serotype naturally occurs in cow parsley {Anthriscus sylvestris L.) and causes leaf necrosis, severe stunting and dieback in carrot (Daucus carota) [11]. The disease causes major economic losses in carrot and carrot seed production in European countries. PYFV is transmitted by the aphid species Cav-ariella aegopodii (Scop.) in a semi-persistent manner. However, aphid transmission of PYFV depends on a helper virus. The helper virus found in cow parsley is calledAnthriscus yellows virus (AYV; genus Waikavirus) . Since carrot is immune to AYV, there is no secondary spread of PYFV from carrot to carrot, unless C. aegopodii has previously fed on an AYV-infected plant.