Census Report of the Potato Virus Y (PVY) Population in Swiss Seed Potato Production in 2003 and 2008

摘要

The status of the Potato virus Y (PVY) in Swiss seed potato production was investigated in the years 2003 and 2008 by analysing 385 leaf samples of field-grown, suspicious potato plants collected in four representative seed control fields. Serological investigations by ELISA showed that in c. 84% of the PVY-positive samples in both years, viruses belonging to the PVYN group were found. All 124 serologically positive PVY samples collected in 2003 and a selection of 81 isolates of 2008 were further typified by molecular tests and by biological assays on tobacco and potato plants. These tests largely confirmed the predominance of the PVYN group and, within this group, the prevalence of recombinant PVYNTN, with 81.4% and 70.4% in 2003 and 2008, respectively. The percentage of PVYN-Wilga (PVYN-Wi) increased from c. 6% to 17% between the two years. PVYO was detected only in 10.5% and 4.9% of all molecularly analysed samples in 2003 and 2008, respectively. The persistent predominance of recombinant PVYNTN in Swiss seed potatoes indicates that this strain group is now widespread, representing a considerable threat to Swiss seed potato production.