Potato Virus Y Dynamics: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Understanding and Mitigating Its Impact on Solanaceous Crops

Abstract

Potato virus Y (PVY: genus Potyvirus, family Potyviridae) is recognized as one of the most important pathogens of potato, tobacco, tomato and pepper crops worldwide. This review discusses the economic importance, evolution, epidemiology, diagnosis, and control of PVY in solanaceous crops. In addition, the challenges and future directions for PVY control are highlighted. PVY has the potential to cause up to 70% yield reductions in potato, pepper and tobacco crops, and 25-40% in tomato crops in some countries. It also increases production costs and reduces the quality and marketability of produce. PVY is classified as an emerging and reemerging pathogen in many countries in Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas. It exists as a species complex that is made up of parental and recombinant strains. Recombinant strains, which currently constitute over 90% of strains in agroecosystems, exhibit high transmissibility and increased virulence compared to parental strains. PVY is transmitted from plant to plant primarily by aphids in a non-circulative, non-persistent mode. Over 70 aphid species transmit PVY, with Myzus persicae being the most efficient vector. The use of Next-generation sequencing technologies enables precise detection of PVY strains. For effective PVY control, a comprehensive approach that integrates biological control, resistant cultivars, cultural and legislative practices, and vector control with fast-acting insecticides, is recommended for adoption. The rapid emergence of new PVY strains, climate change, non-persistent transmission, and global movement of infected plant materials present challenges in the control of PVY. The current challenges present opportunities to researchers to continue the quest to develop resistant varieties, develop innovative detection and diagnosis technologies and adopt climate-resilient strategies to manage PVY.