Potato viruses and resistance genes in potato

Abstract

Potato (Solanum tuberosumL.) is the fourth most important food crop in the world. It is the most economically valuable and well-known member of the plant familySolanaceae. Potato is the host of many pathogens, including fungi, bacteria, Phytoplasmas, viruses, viroids and nematodes, which cause reductions in the quantity and quality of yield. Apart from the late blight fungus [Phytophthora infestans(Mont.) de Bary] viruses are the most important pathogens, with over 40 viruses and virus-like pathogens infecting cultivated potatoes in the field, among whichPotato virus Y(PVY),Potato leaf roll virus(PLRV),Potato virus X(PVX),Potato virus A(PVA),Potato virus S(PVS) andPotato virus M(PVM) are some of the most important viruses in the world. In this review, their characteristics and types of resistance to them will be discussed.