Virus Diseases of Potatoes

Abstract The cultivated potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) is known to be infected by at least 40 viruses. Viruses pose a continuing threat to potato production through yield losses and degrading stocks of seed tubers. Some viruses can be controlled by crop management practices, but the most effective and environmentally beneficial method is through host resistance. Climate change is expected to increase virus disease incidence; however, developments in plant breeding technologies to breed resistant cultivars together with integrated management practices show much potential to control existing and emerging virus diseases. Key Concepts The most economically important viruses of potato. Control of virus disease incidence in potato production systems. Virus resistance mechanisms. Methods of virus detection and identification. Future threats to potato from climate change.