Potato Viruses and their Management

Abstract

The potato is propagated vegetatively through seed tubers. Vector aphids are mainly responsible for spread of common viruses, viz. PVY, PLRV, PVA etc. Besides, the common viruses, early autumn and spring potato crops in the Indian plains are being threatened by potato stem necrosis tospovirus and apical leaf cure gemini virus. In warm subtropical areas due to enough vector (aphids/thrips/white flies) population/activity, rapid degeneration of the seed stocks due to viruses and allied pathogens necessitates frequent replacement of seed for economical yields. Therefore, knowledge about the potato viruses, their detection/elimination and methods of indirect control to avoid their spread in nature i.e. raising healthy seed crops starting from nucleus seed by way of isolation, sanitation, adjustment of planting and harvesting dates, haulms cutting, crop rotations, roguing, certification etc. will be helpful for the growers/agencies. All possible details on the above aspects including integrated disease management schedule for viruses have been touched.