Occurrence and distribution of viruses infecting potato in Russia

Potato viral disease has been a major problem in potato production worldwide including Russia. Here, we detected Potato Virus M (PVM), P (PVP), S (PVS), Y (PVY), and X (PVX) and Potato Leaf Roll Virus (PLRV) by RT-PCR on potato leaves and tubers from the Northwestern (NW), Volga (VF), and Far Eastern (FE) federal districts of Russia. Each sample was co-infected with up to five viruses. RT-PCR disclosed all six viruses in NW, three in VF, and five in FE. Phylogenetic analyses of PVM and PVS strains resolved all PVM isolates in Group O (ordinary) and all PVS isolates in Group O. Seven PVY strains were detected, and they included only recombinants. PVY recombinants were thus the dominant potato virus strains in Russia, although they widely varied among the regions. Our research provides insights into the geographical distribution and genetic variability of potato viruses in Russia.