Biological characterisation of various geographical isolates of potato virus Y inducing superficial necrosis on potato tubers

Abstract

A range of selected PVY isolates that induce superficial necrosis on potato tubers, originating from several countries, were compared with standard strains of PVA, PVV and PVY. Biological properties (e.g., host range, aphid transmissibility and relationships based on cross‐protection between virus isolates) were studied. PVY NN isolates differ from the normal PVY C , PVY N and PV O strains by their ability to infect Capsicum annuum but not Chenopodium amaranticolor and C. quinoa. All PVY NN isolates are transmissible by Myzus persicae , without any significant differences from one standard strain. These additional data confirm that these tuber‐necrosing isolates belong to PVY. However, they could be ranged in a homogeneous and distinct group inside the PVY N group, based on the differences revealed in the host range, in addition to the specific ability naturally to induce necrosis on tubers.