Prevalence, distribution and control of potato virus Y (PVY) strains in Kenyan potato cultivars

Abstract Potato virus Y (PVY) causes major yield losses in potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) crops worldwide. Over the past few decades, two new PVY strains (PVY N−Wi/N:O and NTN ) have become prevalent widely distributed In Kenya, there is limited information on prevalence distribution of cultivars grown farmer’s fields. This a limiting factor making decisions for setting up basis control. study was therefore conducted (a) to determine present different potato-growing counties (b) use this knowledge proposing strategy To end, leaf sampling survey 354 farms five Kenya with follow-up surveys more seasons. Collected samples were tested using DAS-ELISA, those found be infected subjected reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR) strains. Overall generally low (8.2%). Out all PVY-infected plants, most strain (54.9%) followed by O (28.0%) (17.1%), while N not detected. The occurred across three seasons but only specific cultivars. Three identified as resistant, cultivar Shangi (60.2%) had 0.6%. an indication that may already been useful minimizing report first resistance; addition, results obtained provide focus resistance breeding Kenya.