Potato Virus X (PVX) is an infectious plant pathogen that primarily affects potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) and is considered one of the most economically significant viral diseases in potato cultivation. PVX belongs to the family Potyviridae and genus Potexvirus, characterized by its filamentous, flexuous, and rod-shaped particles.
PVX is transmitted through various means including mechanical transmission (such as handling infected plant material), contact with contaminated tools or machinery, and via aphids, which act as vectors and spread the virus between plants. It can also be transmitted through infected seed potatoes.
Symptoms of PVX infection in potato plants are diverse and may include leaf mottling, necrotic lesions, stunting, curled leaves, and reduced tuber yield. Infected plants may exhibit mild to severe symptoms depending on the strain of PVX and environmental conditions.
Control measures for PVX mainly involve preventative strategies and strict sanitation practices. These include using certified disease-free seed potatoes, practicing crop rotation, removing and destroying infected plants, and disinfecting tools and equipment after contact with infected material. Planting resistant potato cultivars is also an effective way to manage PVX.
PVX is of significant concern to potato growers as it can cause significant economic losses due to reduced quality and yield of tubers. Therefore, early detection and effective management strategies are crucial for minimizing the impact of PVX on potato crops and ensuring sustainable potato production.
