Potato Virus Transmission by Thrips, Hoppers, Beetles, Nematodes, and Fungi

Potato production is constrained by several biotic factors, the most important of which are viruses spread by insects and soil-borne vectors. More than 50 distinct viruses and one viroid are reported to infect potatoes globally, although only a small number of these cause considerable losses, and the majority have little bearing. Aphids and whiteflies make a major contribution to transmitting important viruses in potatoes. Besides, insect vectors like thrips, leafhoppers, planthoppers, and beetles and soil-borne vectors like nematodes and fungi also spread several viruses in potatoes and cause severe epidemics. Therefore, the current chapter summarizes the ecology, transmission biology, and tripartite interactions of potato viruses through their insect- and soil-borne vectors such as thrips, hoppers, beetles, nematodes, and fungi.