(PSTV)

In contrast to the viruses, viroids are microorganisms made up of a “particle” (nucleic acid of RNA type) unprotected by an envelope or capsid coat.

In all cases, there is a reduction in tuber size combined with deformation giving rise to spindle-shape tubers.

In the case of a virulent strain, symptoms on crops can be seen on the foliage : dark green leaves, crinkling, spoon-shaped leaf roll.

PSTV can be transmitted through contact and can therefore be spread during cultivation activities. It can also be transmitted by aphids, but to a lesser degree.

Due to the lack of capsid proteins, we cannot use serological techniques (E.L.I.S.A., in particular) suitable for detecting the virus S. The detection method makes use of molecular techniques or electrophoresis.

Control of PSTV, a quarantine parasite, consists in using certified seed potatoes supplemented by crop roguing in the case of plants showing suspicious symptoms on the foliage.

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