Cambridge, United Kingdom
January 13, 2009
Latest results from
NIAB’s Labtest service suggest
that while Potato Leaf Roll Virus (PLRV) is largely absent this
year, a quarter of farm-saved seed potatoes destined for the
2009 crop have been infected at some level with Potato Virus Y
(PVY), one of the most serious potato viruses affecting crop
yields and tuber quality.
To date, one in ten tuber samples analysed by NIAB have shown
PVY infection levels of 20%, high enough to cause serious damage
in some varieties. PVA and PVS have also been present, although
not at the same levels as PVY.
Although overall virus levels are lower than in some years, NIAB
is advising potato growers to get farm-saved seed virus-tested
to avoid costly disease problems. As time to planting gets
shorter, January is a critical month to get virus tests started
on further samples.
ELISA tests take between four to six weeks to complete, although
NIAB also offers the faster PCR-based method, which can report
on the PLRV and PVY status of a sample within five working days.
Tests are conducted on 100 tuber samples.
When conditions allow, NIAB is also advising growers to take
soil samples for free-living nematode tests as soon as possible.
Analysis of soil samples to date have revealed high populations
of Pratylenchus, which can cause damage by direct feeding on
root crops such as potatoes and carrots, leading to reduced
growth, yellowing and smaller tubers, and lesions on both roots
and tubers.
For further information about NIAB’s testing services, please
contact Helen Appleyard on 01223 342248 or
helen.appleyard@niab.com.
The National Institute of
Agricultural Botany (NIAB) is a pioneering plant science
organisation based at the heart of the Cambridge science,
technology and university communities and a thriving UK
agricultural industry. It has an internationally recognised
reputation for independence, innovation and integrity.
Founded in 1919, NIAB has over 80 years experience in the
agricultural and food sectors. The Institute employs 161 staff
with the main headquarters in Cambridge and regional offices at
Headley Hall in North Yorkshire, Harper Adams in Shropshire,
Seale Hayne in Devon, HRI Kirton in Lincolnshire, Gwent in
Monmouthshire, Itchen Stoke in Hampshire and Wye in Kent. |
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