Aphid-borne potato virus Y(PVY) is an emerging disease of potatoes in Punjab, Pakistan

Potato virus Y (PVY) is one of the most devastating viruses of solanaceous crops worldwide including Pakistan. Among the solanaceous crops, potatoes followed by tomatoes are severely affected. About 10-100% yield loss on potato crops and 39-75% on tomato crops have been reported worldwide. The virus has different strains which cause variety of symptoms depending on host plant species. In potatoes, the most determinant symptoms are potato tuber necrotic ring spot which renders potatoes unmarketable and therefore result in a significant economic loss. Initially there were three strains namely of PVY viz. PVYC, PVYN and recently recombinant strains mostly from the PVYN such as PVYN-Wi, PVYNTN and PVYN: O have emerged in potato crop. PVY belong to largest genus of plant viruses known as potyvirus. It is single strand of positive sense RNA (+ssRNA) and the length is about 9700 kb in length excluding the poly (A) tail. The virus is transmitted from plants by aphids primary Myzus persicae in non-persistent, non-circulative manner or by mechanical means. The virus has been controlled by breeding of resistant cultivars or by controlling its vectors (aphids) with insecticides and mineral oils. Knowing PVY importance the present review was written which highlight some biological and serological properties of PVY, its relationship with the vector and environmental factors and finally about its management strategies.