Viruses are some of the most economically damaging diseases affecting potatoes and are a major reason for crops failing seed certification. These viruses are damaging in both seed and ware crops causing yield loss and quality issues (e.g. fry colour).

Other strains/viruses that can be analysed include; PLRV, PVA, PVV, PVV and PVX. Each additional virus/strain adds £91 (excl. VAT) to the total cost. If you require additional viruses to be tested with PVY - you must select the relevant test denoting how many viruses you would like testing. When you have selected the correct number of viruses you require you must specify in the Notes section which viruses you want when adding in your sample information.

Understanding what virus loading is in the seed to be planted is critical in managing crop outcomes.

As these viruses are predominantly aphid transmitted, the use of Fera's insect monitoring service will help understand the risks and provide vital information for the consideration of treatments.

PVY

Potato virus Y is transmitted by aphids and is responsible for significant yield loss across a range of potato varieties. The severity of the yield loss is directly attributed to the strain, timing, and resistance of the potato.

PLRV

Potato leafroll virus is transmitted by aphids, and can cause vast swathes of damage, as well as having the ability to spread over relatively large distances in a short time-scale. Symptoms include leaf curling and necrosis, which dramatically affects yield quality and quantity.

PVA

Potato virus A is also aphid-transmitted and can cause significant symptoms resulting in yield reduction in susceptible varieties, especially when in combination with other plant viruses.

PVV

With minimal visual symptoms this virus is difficult to detect. When infected, potato plants are immediately more susceptible to disease, especially when in combination with other plant viruses. PVV is transmitted by aphids, which can result in large scale infection if not managed correctly.

PVX

Although some potato varieties are resistant to PVX, when in combination with a range of other viruses severe symptoms can be found. PVX may be extremely prevalent due to the mild or non-existent symptoms associated with infected potatoes.

When sending plant pathogens and invertebrate samples from outside England and Wales for testing please email the Crop health team (crophealth@fera.co.uk) who will issue you with the relevant Letter of Authority to ensure your samples are not delayed upon entry to the UK.

More Information

Viruses are among the most economically important diseases of potato. Those transmitted by aphid vectors are the most prevalent and damaging to crops, accounting for almost 75% of potato virus disease intercepted.