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

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

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

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

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

Management

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

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.

Research

Ongoing research aims to develop more resistant potato varieties and improve methods for early detection and control of the virus.

See also

• Potato virus Y
• Potato virus X
• Potato mop-top virus
• Potato spindle tuber viroid
• List of potato diseases