ARS | Publication request: Phytoplasmas Diseases and Insect Vectors in Potatoes of the Pacific Northwest of the United States

Submitted to: Bulletin of Insectology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: September 13, 2007
Publication Date: November 12, 2007
Repository URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10113/41369
Citation: Munyaneza, J.E., Crosslin, J., Lee, I. 2007. Phytoplasmas Diseases and Insect Vectors in Potatoes of the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Bulletin of Insectology 60:181-182

Interpretive Summary: In recent years, potato growers in the Columbia Basin of Washington and Oregon have experienced outbreaks of the potato purple top disease. These outbreaks have caused significant yield losses and reduced tuber quality. Researchers at USDA-ARS Wapato, Prosser, and Beltsville conducted studies to identify the causal agents and insect vectors of the disease. It was determined that the beet leafhopper-transmitted virescence agent phytoplasma was the causal agent of the disease and that the beet leafhopper was the major vector of the phytoplasma in this important potato growing region of the US. These findings will help affected growers reduce losses due to this disease by focusing control efforts on this insect pest.

Technical Abstract: Potato growers in the Columbia Basin of Washington and Oregon experienced an outbreak of the potato purple top disease in the 2002 growing season. This outbreak caused significant yield losses and reduced tuber quality. The disease was also observed during ensuing years, especially in potato fields not treated with insecticides. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, it was determined that the beet leafhopper-transmitted virescence agent (BLTVA) phytoplasma was the causal agent of the disease and that Circulifer tenellus was the major vector of the phytoplasma in this important potato growing region of the United States.