US scientists have found that two diseases that ‘rampaged’ through potato fields in the past are making a more virulent comeback.
Scientists at the ARS have found that new strains of the golden nematode (Globodera restochiensis) and potato virus Y (PVY), which previously damaged crops 20 years ago, are immune to old cures.
When the golden, or potato cyst nematode last turned up in the US, stringent controls confined it to several counties in New York, where it was first discovered. Now, though, over 30 previously resistant varieties have come under attack from a new race, called ‘Ro2’.
PVY affects tomatoes, peppers and tobacco, as well as potatoes. It reduces produce yield and quality, and although seed potatoes are screened for PVY, some are symptomless carriers.
Molecular biologist Xiaohong Wang is studying specific parts of Ro2 DNA, which will look for ways to increase potato resistance to the virus by interfering with gene expression.
Plant pathologist Stewart Gray is determining PVY’s genetic diversity and distribution in the US. This should help to stem the spread of PVY by allowing a team of scientists, regulators personnel and industry representatives to manage potato viruses that resul in tuber necrosis, and help prevent necrotic PVY strains from becoming predominant in North America.
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