Effects of meteorological variables on potato leaf roll virus and potato virus y infections on different potato varieties under natural and mulched conditions

Abstract

After rice and wheat, potatoes are the third most important staple crop in Pakistan, but due to various virus diseases attacks, yield remains very low. Among viral pathogens, potato leaf roll virus (PLRV) and potato virus Y (PVY) are the most destructive viruses present in all potato-growing areas. A field experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of Plant Virology Section, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, to evaluate the effects of meteorological variables on the development of virus infections (PLRV and PVY) on different potato varieties under natural and mulched conditions. Results indicated that the development of infections of PVY and PLRV was delayed in different potato varieties under mulched conditions. The potato variety Simply Red had the highest PLRV and PVY disease incidences under unmulched and mulched circumstances, while Sahiwal Red and Ruby had the lowest infection rates. The least PVY disease incidence was noted under mulched conditions on FD-81-1. Mulched conditions were better in the reduction of diseases than unmulched conditions. The average high temperature (HT) ranged from 21.9 ◦C to 27 ◦C was most favorable for the development of PLRV and PVY on all six tested potato varieties in both conditions. The average low temperature (LT) ranged from 8 ◦C to 15 ◦C was favorable for the progression of PLRV and PVY diseases in both conditions. The relative humidity (RH) range of 50-60% was conducive for the development of PLRV and PVY diseases. It is concluded that mulching application is an essential tool to enhance the yield of potato crops by reducing their specific diseases.