VIRAL DISEASES OF POTATOES IN KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a staple food crop worldwide, including Kazakhstan. Viral infections represent a major obstacle to sustainable potato production due to deterioration of both qualitative and quantitative indicators. To determine the current status of the main viral diseases Y, X, M, S, PLRV, plant and seed material (tubers) from different potato growing regions of Kazakhstan was sampled. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction by reverse transcription (mpRT-PCR) and primers specific for coat protein (CP) were used to amplify the corresponding viruses. Monitoring of seed material revealed that the most prevalent virus in almost all regions, was potato virus S (PVS). Analysis of plant material sampled in the fields revealed that the most common viruses in the regions were potato virus M (PVM) and potato virus S (PVS). The work done to monitor viral diseases in different regions of Kazakhstan will provide a basis for directing future efforts to control and monitor the phytosanitary status of potato in the country.