OCCURRENCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF SOME VIRUSES ON IRRIGATED POTATO (Solanum tuberosum L.) IN KADUNA AND KANO STATES OF NIGERIA

Abstract

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is an important vegetable crop in human nutrition with the potential as a vital food security crop. Surveys were conducted during the 2019/2020 dry season in Kaduna and Kano States of Nigeria to determine the occurrence and distribution of viruses in potatoes. A total of 480 samples were collected from 12 potato farms which were surveyed in the two States, 6 in each of the States. Potatoes showing virus-like symptoms such as yellowish-green mosaic, leaf rolling and vein necrosis as well as asymptomatic plants were surveyed. Samples were screened for viruses using Double Antibody Sandwich-Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (DAS-ELISA) for Potato virus S (PVS) and Potato virus Y (PVY), and Triple Antibody SandwichEnzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (TAS- ELISA) for Potato leaf roll virus (PLRV). Mosaic and rugosity were the most common symptoms observed in potato fields in the different locations. However, both symptomatic and asymptomatic leaf samples tested positive for PVS, PVY and co-infections. The results showed the prevalence of PVS and PVY in all surveyed areas with PVS being the most prevalent; however, there was no positive result obtained for PLRV in all the samples. In Kaduna State, the average incidence was 72%, 37%, and 31% for PVS, PVY and co infection respectively while in Kano State, the incidence was 75%, 32%, and 26% for PVS, PVY and co-infection, respectively. The use of virus-free certified planting material, intensive education of the farmers on the economic importance of potato viruses and a clear understanding of the weed hosts of the virus is necessary for the effective management of virus diseases.