Effect of thermotherapy duration, virus type and cultivar interactions on elimination of potato viruses X and S in infected seed stocks

Abstract

Virus infection in potato reduces yield through seed degeneration. This can be reduced by use of virusfree seed tubers. However, novel approaches are required to ensure availability of virus-free stocks, especially in developing countries where the seed potato system are evolving. Consequently, a laboratory experiment was conducted at Kachwekano ZARDI in Uganda to evaluate and determine appropriate procedures for cleaning valuable potato cultivars infected with the most prevalent potato viruses; potato virus X (PVX) and potato …