Question

A potato plant is infected with a virus. Name and explain a method to obtain virus-free potato plants from it.

Answer 1

• Potatoes can be infected by many different viruses that can reduce yield and tuber quality. Virus diseases can often be diagnosed by mosaic patterns on leaves, stunting of the plant, leaf malformations, and tuber malformations.
• Potato virus Y (PVY) is one of the most prevalent and important viruses in potatoes. Recently, strains of PVY which can cause necrosis (dead spots on leaves and in tubers) have been discovered, creating more concern about this widespread virus. PVY is a potato potyvirus, the type member of the largest group of plant viruses.
• It is transmitted by aphids in a nonpersistent manner, by sticking to aphid mouthparts (stylet). The virus can be acquired from the infected plant within seconds, and transmitted to a healthy plant just as fast. PVY can also be transmitted mechanically by machinery, tools, and damaging plants while walking through the field.
• Methods to develop virus-free potato plants. (Plant tissue culture)

1. Remove the apical and axillary meristem that is free of virus.
2. Grow the meristem in vitro to obtain virus-free plants