Abstract

GIL RAMIREZ, J.F; COTES TORRES, J.M  and  MARIN MONTOYA, M. Detection and molecular characterization of Potato virus X (PVX) in potato-growing regions of Colombia. Rev. Protección Veg. [online]. 2012, vol.27, n.2, pp.69-76. ISSN 1010-2752.

The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) crop is strongly affected by different viruses that reduce yield and the quality of seed tubers. Knowledge of distribution and genetic variability of these pathogens is essential to support integrated pest management and breeding programs. In this research, the presence and molecular variability of PVX in potato crops was evaluated from the Colombian provinces of Antioquia, Cundinamarca, Boyacá and Nariño. The detection of this virus was performed by ELISA, while the variability was analyzed by sequencing a part of the viral capsid in 14 isolates as well as portions of genes codifying for proteins RdRp and Tgb1 for two isolates. Results indicated the presence of PVX in the four provinces with an average detection of 8%; although, in Nariño, PVX presence reached 15%. Molecular analysis indicated that most PVX Colombian isolates were associated with strains from Eurasia (Group I), while two isolates from Nariño grouped with Andean and some United Kingdom's strains (Group II). The information generated in this work will support programs of seed potato certification and breeding in Colombia.

Keywords : Alphaflexiviridae; ELISA; genetic variability; RT-PCR; Solanum tuberosum.

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