Potato Virus X

Potato Virus X

Potato virus X (PVX) is the most widespread of all the potato viruses. It is also referred to as latent mosaic, potato latent virus and potato mottle virus. Several strains of the virus exist. PVX infects several solanaceous crops including potato, tomato, and tobacco. Systemic infection occurs in these crops. The virus can also infect member of the Chenopodiaceae and Amaranthaceae, producing local lesions. In addition, some members of Leguminosae also serve as susceptible host. Yield losses from PVX are generally 15% or more. The virus survives between seasons in infected tubers. Plants produced from these tubers are also infected. It is mechanically transmitted by plant to plant contact (leaves, shoots, roots), machinery, cutting tools and animals. Chewing insects such as grasshoppers have also been suspected as a means of spreading the disease. There must be wounding and an exchange of plant sap for infection to occur.

Symptoms

Symptoms produced by PVX are variable, depending on the strain present. In general, no visible symptoms are produced, hence the name latent virus. A mild mottling may occur on foliage in some instances. This symptom is sometimes referred to as weather mottling because the symptom intensifies when light intensity is low and low temperatures 60-68^oF prevail. PVX is most damaging when it is found in combination with potato virus Y (PVY) or potato virus A (PVA). When this situation occurs, a disease known as rugose mosaic develops. Symptoms of this disease include crinkling, often severe (rugose), browning of leaf tissue, plant death, and tuber necrosis.

Plant Health Management

Use certified PVX-free tubers for seed.

Avoid contamination when cutting seed.

Use resistant cultivars.

References

Banttari, E.E., Ellis, P.J., and S.M.P. Khurana. 1993. Management of diseases caused by viruses and virus-like pathogens. Pages 127-133 in Rowe, R.C. Potato health management. APS Press. St. Paul, MN.

Hooker, W.J. ed. 1981. Compendium of potato diseases. American Phytopathological Society. St. Paul, MN. 125 pp.

University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.1986. Integrated pest management for potatoes in the western United States. ANR 3316. 146 pp.

Useful Links

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Caveat

This description is presented for information only and no endorsement is intended for products listed, nor criticism meant for products not mentioned. Always consult the product label before purchasing and using any pesticide.

Material contained on the Links from the page are the responsibility of the linked page's author(s).

This page was drafted by: Jane Christensen, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Disease images were provided by: Dr. David Wysong, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The Electron Micrograph of the Potato Virus X Virions is from the Rothamsted Experimental Station collection and is copyrighted by them. It is used here in accord with their release for educational purposes with our appreciation.

Questions, Comments, Complaints and Complements?

This page is authored and maintained by:
Dr. J.E. Partridge, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

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