Field survey and molecular detection of potato viruses in northern fields of Palestine

Abstract EN

Sanitary status of potatoes grown in Northern fields of Palestine; based on their viral infections, was assessed biologically and molecularly in this study.

Visual inspections for symptomatic disorders were carried during the growing seasons of 2013-2014, reporting a leaf curling, yellowing and stunting plant syndromes.

Molecularly, two of most economically damaging viruses (Potato virus Y and Potato virus X) were detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), with total infection (9.5%).

PVY but not PVX, was found in several locations and cultivars.

Beside sanitary assessment of potato, this is the first to report the detection of both potato viruses (PVX and PVY) molecularly in Palestinian fields.