Potato leafroll virus

Potato Leaf Roll Virus UGA5356842

Potato leafroll virus (PLRV) is a plant pathogenic virus that primarily affects potato crops. It belongs to the genus Polerovirus within the family Solemoviridae. PLRV is one of the most economically significant viruses affecting potato production worldwide due to its impact on yield and tuber quality.

Transmission[edit | edit source]

PLRV is primarily transmitted by aphids, with the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) being the most efficient vector. The virus is transmitted in a persistent, circulative manner, meaning that once an aphid acquires the virus, it can transmit it for the rest of its life. The virus can also be spread through infected seed potatoes.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Infected potato plants exhibit a range of symptoms, including:

Leaf rolling, particularly in the lower leaves
Chlorosis (yellowing) of leaves
Stunted growth
Premature plant senescence
Reduced tuber size and number

The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the potato variety, environmental conditions, and the timing of infection.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of PLRV can be achieved through several methods, including:

Visual inspection of symptoms
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Management[edit | edit source]

Effective management of PLRV involves integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, including:

Use of certified virus-free seed potatoes
Control of aphid populations through insecticides and natural predators
Removal and destruction of infected plants
Use of resistant potato varieties

Economic Impact[edit | edit source]

PLRV can cause significant economic losses in potato production due to reduced yield and quality of tubers. Infected tubers may also have a reduced market value and storage life.