diggin’ in PEST MANAGEMENT by Juan Alvarez, UI associate professor
POTATO APHID. Photo courtesy of Juan Alvarez.
PVY and
20 Potato Grower | MAY 2010
APHIDS ARE BY FAR THE MOST important group of plant virus vectors, with close to 200 species transmitting about 300 viruses. Their mouthparts have evolved into efficient piercing and sucking organs, and the stylets are well-suited to transmitting viruses. There are three essential stages needed in the transmission of a virus: 1) Acquisition 2) Latent period 3) Inoculation Additionally, a retention period—the
PLRV Understanding the difference in transmission by aphids
time during which the aphid retains infectivity after virus acquisition—should also be considered. Aphids spread the two most economically important viruses in the potato crop in the Pacific Northwest: Potato Virus Y (PVY) and the Potato Leafroll Virus (PLRV). These viruses however, are transmitted in two very different ways. Understanding the difference in transmission is critical to develop management plans for the diseases caused by the viruses. Since
