Impact of Aphids and Host Weeds Interaction on the Dissemination of Potato Virus YN Strains

Weeds and volunteer plants susceptible to Potato virus Y (PVY) infection in different seed potato production sites were investigated in this study. Aphids occurring within these plants and identified as Aphis fabae, A. gossypii, and Myzus persicae were studied for possible interaction occurring between vectors and plant reservoirs of PVY. Out of 772 plants belonging to 12 different families (Solanaceae, Amaranthaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Papaveraceae, Urticaceae, Convolvulaceae, Asteraceae, Polygonaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Brassicaceae, Portulacaceae, and Compositae), 337 were found to be infected by PVYN based on DAS-ELISA technique. Among these plants, Solanum elaeagnifolium, Datura stramonium and Sonchus oleraceus were found to be infected with the strain PVYNTN. In addition to these reported weeds, S. nigrum seems to be an important host for PVYN since this plant hosts aphid vectors. This investigation provides basic information about weeds and volunteer plants infected with PVYN and aphid vectors. Such finding will increase knowledge of the PVYN epidemiology in potato fields and consequently the possible management of this viral disease.