Control measures

 As PVM virus has generally a very limited effect on yield, PVM is controlled in most of the seed potato-producing countries by testing the selection material and the basic seed potatoes to ensure healthy seed potatoes.

General measures used for the production of certified seed potatoes limit the infection by viral diseases such as PVM. They include:

• the use of certified seed tubers resulting from the multiplication of virus-free material in a certification scheme (including specific multiplication procedures such as in-vitro micropropagation, intensive field inspections and large-scale post-harvest testing);
• the limited use of machinery for field production of pre-basic and basic seed material;
• the production in a favourable environment: in isolated areas with low virus/vector pressure and in fields away from household gardens or away from fields used for the production of ware and processed potatoes;
• the early roguing of infected plants and eradication of all sources of inoculum, e.g. weeds and volunteers, to limit the spread of viruses within the field;
• the treatment with mineral oils to reduce the transmission of non-persistent viruses such as PVM. Insecticides are only effective against persistent viruses such as PLRV.

 Additional control measures in seed potato production include:

• early planting;
• early haulm destruction (by chemicals and/or mechanically) prior to maturity to limit the infection of daughter tubers by late flights of aphids.