Potato virus X
(PVX)
Potato virus X (PVX) is of Potexvirus genus (figure 1). Mechanical transmission of this virus is very easy, for instance by tools, cloths. It might also be transmitted through chewing insects such as grasshoppers.
- Symptoms
Some bands of dark green tissue can be observed along the veins ("vein banding"), there may also be ring spots, or necrotic bright grey spots. More damage is sometimes observed when there is a co-infection with PVY.
- Characteristics
The distribution of this virus is associated to potato cultivation. It infects all cultivated solanaceous and other plants, including weeds (Datura stramonium, figure 2; Hyocyamus Niger ...). It causes little damage in tobacco. A number of measures proposed to control TMV can be applied to control this virus as well. See Protection Methods of TMV (tobacco mosaic virus).