DIAGNOSIS OF POTATO VIRUS F BY MEANS OF SOLANUM MINIATUM

Abstract

The reactions of certain solanaceous species to infection with potato virus F are described. Many species either do not show symptoms or are erratic in their behavior. Solanum miniatum Bernh. is a reliable specific plant indicator of this virus, unaffected by the changing environmental conditions that seem to be responsible for the varying symptom development in other species. The symptoms caused in S. miniatum by virus F are much more severe than, and quite dissimilar from, those caused in this plant by the common potato viruses A, X, and Y.