Co-Authors:
Zimmerman-Gries, S., Virus Laboratory, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet-Dagan, Israel
Abstract:
Trials were made in an attempt to reduce the spread of the aphid-transmitted viruses, potato leaf roll virus, potato virus Y and alfalfa mosaic virus in seed potatoes. The experiments were carried out on the coastal plain of Israel, at Bet-Dagan. Seed potatoes which had been protected by 'sticky', yellow polyethylene sheeting showed a marked reduction in the incidence of virus-infected tubers. The percentage of potato leaf roll virus-affected tubers from protected plots, compared to that from the unprotected, control plots, was as follows: for 1974, 2 and 17.2%, for 1975, 6 and 29%, respectively. The higher infection rates for the period 1975-76 being explained by the longer aphid trapping time used which continued until 20 June in 1975, but only to 10 May in 1974. There was also a reduction in the spread of both potato virus Y and alfalfa mosaic virus. © 1979 Kluwer Academic Publishers.