Potato leaf roll virus | |
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A potato leaf showing PLRV | |
Family: | Luteoviridae |
Genus: | Polerovirus |
Potato leaf roll virus (PLRV) is a member of the genus Polerovirus and family Luteoviridae. The virus infects potatoes and is a particular problem in the Americas. During the summer, the virus is spread by insects, and by the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae in particular. During the winter months the viruses lie dormant in the plants and are the primary source of new infections of other plants in the following year.
Identifying Features[]
The symptoms of the disease include a slight curling of new leaves, which are less flexible than in healthy plants. The leaves become discolored, ranging from a light green through yellow to red and the underside of the them turns purple. The disease does not kill the plant but the yields and quality of the potato crops are reduced.