Epidemiology and control of potato virus Y in Kenya

Summary:

Potato is the second most important food crop after maize in Kenya. Potato yields are however low mainly because farmers commonly plant virus infected tubers. Potato virus Y (PVY) is the most important virus of the crop causing major yield losses. This study intended to identify and recommend an immediate and appropriate control strategy to the virus. Farmer’s lack of knowledge on various methods of virus control was identified as a hindrance in efforts towards virus control. Regions found with higher virus prevalence’s and low farmer knowledge were earmarked for prioritization during virus control. To find an immediate solution to the virus problem, cultivars with low virus prevalence after exposure to several seasons of infections in the framer’s fields were identified as resistant. Validity of the virus resistance in the identified local cultivars were further confirmed under controlled experimental conditions and recommended for immediate use by the Kenyan farmers.