Int. J. Agron. Agri. R.

International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research (IJAAR)

ISSN: 2223-7054 (Print) 2225-3610 (Online)
http://www.innspub.net
Vol. 16, No. 3, p. 24-37, 2020
RESEARCH PAPER OPEN ACCESS

Potato viruses on cultivated Solanaceae species in mix and sole

cropping systems in Cameroon
Godwill Mih Chewachong1,2, Nchongboh Chofong Gilbert3, Achiangia Patrick Njukeng*3
1
Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences,
University of Dschang, Cameroon
2
National Pedagogic Inspector for Agricultural Education, General Inspectorate of Education,
Ministry of Secondary Education, Cameroon
3
Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon

Article published on March 30, 2020

Key words: Potato viruses, Cultivated Solanaceae spp., Prevalence, Mixed cropping

Abstract

The role of potato in assuring food security of poor resource farmers in the Western Highlands of Cameroon
cannot be over emphasized. Unfortunately, the incidence of potato viruses remains a major limiting factor threat-
ening sustainable potato production in Cameroon. The prevalence of six potato viruses; Potato virus X (PVX),
Potato virus A (PVA), Potato leaf roll virus (PLRV), Potato virus Y (PVY), Potato virus M (PVM) and Potato
virus S (PVS) was evaluated in the western highlands of Cameroon. Surveys of these viruses were conducted in
four Solanaceae species; Solanium tuberosum, S. scabrum, S. capsicum, Lycopersicon esculentum, in sole and
mixed cropping systems. They were identified and assayed by Nitrocellulose Membrane Enzyme Linked
Immunosorbent Assay (NCM-ELISA) for the prevalence of viruses. NCM-ELISA tests revealed that the six viruses
infect Solanaceae species to a varying extent. Potato virus Y (PVY) was predominant followed by Potato virus X
(PVX), Potato virus A (PVA), Potato virus S (PVS), Potato virus M (PVM) and Potato leaf roll virus (PLRV).
Mixed and single infections were recorded. Our results also showed single, double, triple, quadruple and
quintuple infections at 41.89, 21.78, 16.2, 17.87 and 2.23%, respectively. Information obtained from this research
will serve as the basis for developing effective control measures against these viruses.
* Corresponding Author: Njukeng Achianjia Patrick  [email protected]

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Introduction serious bacterial disease of potato (Wilson and Jones,

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an herbaceous 1993). The most important fungal disease of potato
vegetable crop widely cultivated for its tubers. Tubers and tomato is late blight caused by Phytophthora
are consumed fresh or in powder form. The crop infestans (Mont) de Barry (Fontem, 2001; Fontem
ranks fourth in the world after cereals, rice and wheat and Aighewi, 1993). Purple top wilt is a disease with
(Wilson and Jones, 1993). In Cameroon it is widely mycoplasma pathogen, which is neither viruses nor
cultivated in the western highlands of Cameroon, bacteria; severity affects sprouting, the quality of
where other Solanaceae species are cultivated, all in potato tubers and yield (Banttari et al., 1990; Lee et
mixed and single cropping systems. Potato viruses al., 2006). Insects and nematodes are some of the
have been known to infect several Solanaceae species pests ravaging the production of huckleberry, pepper,
in other regions. Recently much has been done on the potato and tomato in the western highlands of
prevalence of potato viruses in major potato growing Cameroon (Bridge et al., 1995; Fontem et al., 1999;
regions of Cameroon (Njukeng et al., 2013b). Matthews et al., 2003).
Knowledge of the prevalence and infection of these
viruses in cultivated Solanaceae species in Cameroon There are more than 25 viruses and virus-like agents

will help guide farmers in adopting efficient control affecting potato either singly or in mixed infections

measures to reduce the spread of infection, and (Salazar, 1996). For the purpose of this work, interest

facilitate the establishment of seed certification is centered on six potato viruses namely: Potato virus

schemes for these important crops. S, Potato virus M (Carlavirus), Potato virus Y,
Potato virus A (Potyvirus), Potato virus X

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is an (Potexvirus), and Potato leaf roll virus (Polerovirus)

herbaceous vegetable crop widely cultivated in large previousely shown to be present in the Western

quantities in gardens, especially in the dry season for highlands of Cameroon (Njukeng et al. 2013a;

its fruits. The fruits are widely used to prepare sauces, Njukeng et al., 2013b). These potato viruses have

salad and other dishes. Tomato is the second most been recorded in most developing countries. In

important vegetable in the world after potato because descending order of importance; PLRV, PVY, PVX,

of its nutritive value (Abbott, 1999). PVS, PVA and PVM, though in some regions specific
strains can be found (Fuglie, 2007; Loebenstein and

Pepper (Capsicum ssp) is a perennial plant with a Thottappilly, 2013). The incidence of PLRV, PVY,

lifespan of 2-3 years, cultivated for its fruits. It is PVX and PVS had been reported in the Western

widely used as a spice and a stimulant. It is usually Highlands of Cameroon (Fondong et al., 1991).

transformed into different forms (powder or liquid)

for conservation. In addition, it is used as a A virus disease of plants seldom kills the entire plant

carminative and an antiseptic (Bosland et al., 2012; but reduces plant vigor and yield (Guo et al., 2005).

Heiser and Smith, 1953). The leaves are the most affected parts of the plants;
photosynthetic activities are highly perturbed
Garden huckleberry (Solanum scabrum L.) is an resulting to loss in yield (Balachandran et al., 1997;
important cultivated African vegetable. The leaves are Rahoutei et al., 2000). PLRV has caused yield losses
highly consumed and are an important source of of up to 90%, PVY 80% and PVA 40% (Wilson and
income to gardeners in the western highlands of Jones, 1993; Wright and Bishop, 1981); PVX 15%
Cameron (Ndamukong et al., 2006; Olet et al., 2006). (Chandra and Mondy, 1981; Delhey, 1981); PVS 10-
20% (Delhey, 1981). Little is known of the effects of
These crops are affected either by pests, pathogens or PVM in single infections, but in combination with
adverse environmental conditions. Bacterial, fungus, other viruses, mosaic symptoms are common
virus and mycoplasma cause most pathogenic (Romancer and Kerlan, 1994). Today viral diseases
diseases. Bacterial wilt or brown rot is the most are a call for concern because of difficulties in

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management strategies especially with the efficient used and are based on the specificity of
appearance of new viral strains, mixed infections and antibodies and antigens (Hill et al., 1984; Salazar,
host-range diversity. 1996). Here, we report the use of symptomatology
and serological ELISA methods for detecting the
Disease symptoms are highly variable depending on viruses. The ELISA method is cheap and can easily be
the stage of development of the disease, carried out in less equipped laboratories.
environmental conditions, host cultivar and the strain
of the virus involved (Grogan, 1981; Reckhaus and Any virus based research program, ranging from
Nienhaus, 1981). The epidemiology of plant diseases epidemiology to virus replication studies would not be
is hub on host type, virus type and vector efficiency possible without a reliable assay for detecting and/ or
(Jeger, 2009). Plant virus transmission can be by characterizing the pathogen. Potato viruses and
animal vector, bacterial, fungi, spores, true seeds, potyviruses cause economically significant yield
tubers, and mechanically (Perez et al., 1995). The losses in potato, pepper and tomato crops throughout
symptoms of these six important potato viruses range the world (Jeffries, 1998b; Stevenson et al., 2001).
from mottle, chlorosis, necrosis, defoliation, yellow They infect plants all over the world originated from
spotting, streak, and brittle of leaves; stunting, rolling Peru through contaminated germplasm (Fribourg and
of upper leaves and mosaic of the entire plant Nakashima, 1984; Hamilton, 1985; Jeffries, 1998b;
(Karyeija et al., 2000; McDonald and Singh, 1996). Jones et al., 1981; Salazar, 1971; Salazar, 1987;
Necrosis may as well attack the stem and tubers Stevenson et al., 2001). The incidence of two PVY
(Boonham et al., 2002). Infected plants (with rare strains (PVYO, PVYN) has been reported in this agro-
exceptions) produce fewer or smaller tubers than ecological zones in Cameroon (Martin et al., 1995).
healthy plants (Hooker, 1981; Kaniewski et al., 1990; Biological, cultural and chemical mitigation
Whitworth et al., 2006). In most cases, variations techniques are possible and well developed for the
exist between primary and secondary infections. mitigation of pathogenic agents. Unfortunately, it is
Myzus persicae, an insect of the family Aphididae is the contrary for viruses. Studies on the detection and
the most efficient vector of PLRV, PVY, PVX, PVS, host-range of viruses in different cropping systems
PVM and PVA. With an exception of PLRV and PVA are necessary for seed certification programs, and
where transmission is in a persistent non-propagative restricting crop choices for mixed cropping among
manner (Mayo and Ziegler-Graff, 1996; Waterhouse host plant species. A good knowledge of occurrences
et al., 1981), the other four are transmitted in a non- of the six potato viruses and their host range will
persistent manner (Pattan et al.). PVX and PVS can enrich potato seed certification programs within these
be transmitted mechanically through contact and sap regions. Here, we report work that sort to; detect the
transmission (Pattan et al.). presence of Potato virus S, Potato virus Y, Potato
virus X, Potato virus A, Potato virus M and Potato
Several techniques are used for the detection of
leaf roll virus, determine the relative prevalence of
potato viruses. Some include symptomatology, use of
these six viruses in single and mixed infections, and
detector/indicator (test) plants, electron microscope
determine the host range of these potato viruses
and diverse serological methods. Symptomatology is
amongst Solanum spp. in the Western Highlands of
less efficient because of interference from mixed
Cameroon.
infections. Though time consuming, the use of test
plants have proven very effective and reliable (Bokx Materials and methods
and Ghaffari, 1969; DeBokx and Piron, 1977). Some Host plant cultivation
indicator plants used in potato viruses are of the Solanaceous plants; potato, tomato, pepper and
genera Chenopodium, Datura, Lycopersicon, Physalis, garden huckleberry which are prominent host for the
Solanum and Nicotiana (Jayasinghe and six potato viruses were grown in four locations
Chuquillanqui, 1989). Serological assays are the most [(Dschang (1500m.a.s.l), Bambili Upper farm

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(1600m.a.s.l), Santa (1700m.a.s.l) and Djuttitsa Leave sap was then extracted by gently grinding the
(2000m.a.s.l)] in the Western Highlands of leaf tissue by rolling a pestle over the plastic bag. The
Cameroon between March to October 2007 and 2008. sap was then filtered using a mesh into different test
In each location, combinations of sole cropping and tubes with respect to samples. Sedimentation was
mix cropping treatments were assigned in a complete done by allowing the tubes containing samples to
randomized block design to an area of 50 m2 planted stand at room temperature for one hour, then 200ml
to potato, tomato, pepper and huckleberry. Each of the supernatant from each tube pipetted into the
block consisted of four ridges of 3.5/1.5m with in- wells of microtiter plates with appropriate label. The
between lanes of 0.75m. Sole cropping was done on plates were sealed and incubated at 4ºC overnight
four of these blocks by planting seedlings of potato, (~16 hours). Grids of 1x1cm were drawn on the NCM
tomato, pepper and garden huckleberry, accordingly. with a lead pencil. The NCM was slowly slide at an
On each of the four ridges, for the fifth block, was angle of 45º into distilled water and TBS, respectively,
planted these four crops in an alternating manner for 5minutes in each. Two sheets of Whatman filter
(mix cropping). paper were soaked in TBS for 10minutes, and then
air-dried for 5minutes. Dilutions of 1/10, 1/100 and
Sample collection 1/1000 Antigen aliquots were prepared per sample.
Potato, tomato, pepper and garden huckleberry leaf Antigen aliquots (10ul) were pipetted from the clear
samples were collected from Dschang, Bambili, Santa aqueous supernatant layer and dotted onto each
and Djuttitsa. Three leaves (top, middle and bottom) square of the NCM and allowed to dry for (͂~2 hours).
from each plant were harvested separately and
directly into specially labelled 10 x 15cm plastic bags The membrane was then transferred into a blocking

and constituted a single sample. Plants were sampled buffer (5% skimmed milk Gloria R) in 60ml TBS and

on the basis of systemic symptoms; mottling, mosaic, incubated for 1hour. After blocking, the membrane

rugose mosaic, leaf deformation and/or general was washed in TBS by soaking 3 times with 3 minutes

stunting. Fifty samples were collected from each host time intervals. The membrane was transferred to anti

plant species per site (25 from mix cropping and 25 – PVY, anti – PLRV, anti – PVX, anti – PVS, anti –

from sole cropping). Three samples per host species PVM and anti – PVA (Gamma globulin diluted to

were equally collected from asymptomatic plants to 1ug/ml in buffer (0.05M Na2CO3, pH. 9.6) contained

serve as controls. Samples were transported in a in a 9cm diameter glass petri - dish. It was then

cooler to the Virology Project Laboratory at the incubated overnight with gentle rotatory shaking (80

University of Dschang for analysis. The samples were rpm) on Gyratory shaker. The next day the NCM was

kept overnight in a fridge at 4°C. rinsed (3x3mn) in TBS, incubated with polyclonal
anti – PVY, anti – PLRV, anti – PVX, anti –PVS,
Virus detection anti–PVM and anti –PVA (Gamma globulin alkaline
The incidence of the six potato viruses was phosphatase conjugate at a dilution 1ug/ml in
determined serologically by testing for the presence of conjugate buffer ( 6% PVP – 40 000 + 3% NCM) for
each of the viruses, using Nitrocellulose Membrane 1hour, then washed (3x3min). The substrate solution
Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (NCM–ELISA) was prepared during the final wash by dissolving 6mg
technique. The NCM-ELISA procedure described by of 5 - bromo - 4 - chloro - 3 - indolyl phosphate
Gibbs and Padovan `1993 was followed (Gibb and (BCIP) (Bio – Rad) in 0.1ml N, N- dimethyl
Padovan, 1993). Tris buffered saline (TBS) containing formamide (DMF) and 3mg of nitroblue tetrablue
[0.02 Tris base, 0.5M NaCl, 0.01% NaN3 pH 7.5] was tetrazolium (NBT) (Bio –Rad) in 0.1ml DMF.
used as extraction buffer. Substrate buffer (30ml) was prepared by mixing BCIP
and NBT solutions (0.1ml Tris base, 0.1M NaCl,
A buffer of 1/10(w/v dilution was added into each of 0.005M MgCl2.6H2O, pH 9.6). The conjugate solution
the plastic bags containing the leaf samples. was washed from the NCM with TBS.

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The NCM was incubated at room temperature for each of the four host types [(potato (Solanum
color development (30min). The color development tuberosum L.) tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum
was keenly followed up and the development of a Mill.), pepper (Capsicum ssp), garden huckleberry
violet color was considered as being positive. All (Solanum scabrum L.)], and from four locations
laboratory manipulation was done under aseptic (Bambili, Santa, Dschang and Djuttisa). For each
conditions with all hard ware duly sterilized. experimental replicate, a total of 1920 NCM-ELISA
tests were performed. The relative prevalence of these
Results potato viruses showed variation with significant
Virus prevalence differences at P ≤ 0.05. Results revealed PVY to be the
Symptomatic potential host plants for potato viruses most prevalent among these viruses in the Western
were sampled and tested for the presence of six highlands of Cameroon. The relative prevalence of the
potato viruses (PVY, PVX, PVM, PVA, PVS, and six viruses in decreasing order were: PVY, PVX, PVM,
PLRV). A total of twenty samples were collected for PVA, PVS and PLRV (Table 1).

Table 1. Relative prevalence of the six potato viruses in all samples tested positive for each of the viruses from
four host plants in four locations. Bars with the same letter (a, b, c, and d) are not significantly different as
revealed by Duncan Multiple Range Test.
HOST Total
Total S. tuberosum S. scabrum S. capsicum Lycopersicon
esculentum
S. tuberosum S. scabrum S. capsicum Lycopersicon 87b
esculentum
PVX 40 0 19 28 87b 37c
PVA 37 0 0 0 37c 28cd
PLRV 25 3 0 0 28cd 106a
PVY 47 3 24 32 106a 49c
PVM 49 0 0 0 49c 36c
PVS 36 0 0 0 36c 343
Total 234 6 43 60 343

A greater number of samples from Bambili were cropping fields (Fig. 3). In both cropping systems PVY
positive for the six potato viruses indicating high and PVX were the most prevalence.
prevalence. The percentages of positive samples were
lower in Bambili. Djuttissa recorded the least
prevalence of the viruses, followed by Santa and
Dschang. The prevalence of PVY and PVX was
significantly higher than that of PVS, PVA, PVM and
PLRV (Fig. 1). With respect to cropping systems, mix-
cropping revealed a significantly high percentage of
infection for PVY, PVX, PVS, PVA, PVM and PLRV as
compared to sole cropping, irrespective of the
location. Nevertheless, some variation was observed
in Dschang where more samples tested positive from
the sole cropping system when compared with other
locations (Fig. 1 & 2). Fig. 1. Mix cropping; Prevalence of six potato viruses
tested from each location sampled under mix
The percentage prevalence of potato viruses was cropping. Bars with the same letter (a, b, c, d, and e)
significantly lower in samples collected from sole are not significantly different (P≤0.05) according to
cropping fields and high for those collected from mix Duncan’s Multiple Range Test.

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pepper and huckleberry for the six potato viruses

revealed the presence of some of these viruses in the
host. There was significantly high prevalence of PVY and
PVX, while no infections of PVM, PVA, PVS and PLRV
were recorded for tomato and pepper. In huckleberry,
only PVY and PLRV were detected (Fig. 4).

Fig. 2. Sole cropping; Prevalence of six potato viruses

tested from each location sampled under mono
cropping. Bars with the same letter (a, b, c, d, and e)
are not significantly different (P≤0.05) according to
Duncan’s Multiple Range Test.

Fig. 4. Prevalence of each of the six potato viruses

tested from four locations sampled both under mix
and sole cropping on individual host plant, it presents
the viruses detected for each host. Bars with the same
letter (a, b, c, d, and e) are not significantly different
(P≤0.05) according to Duncan’s Multiple Range Test.

Discussion
Virus diseases remain a serious limiting factor for the
production of some Solanaceous crop species in the
North West Region of Cameroon. Six potato viruses
are prevalent in the study area and infect potato,
tomato, pepper, and huckleberry. Previous research
reports have documented the occurrence of these
Fig. 3. General relative prevalence of six potato viruses in areas where potential host plants are being
viruses tested from the four locations sampled both grown (Struik and Wiersema, 1999). The presence of
under mix cropping and mono cropping systems. these viruses in the surveyed region signifies the
Means of independent virus replicates for mix and urgent need to develop control measures to avoid
mono cropping are presented and standard deviations drastic yield losses that could exacerbate problems of
are indicated. food security that already exist. Given that there are
no biochemical control methods available for viruses
Viruses on different host plant within a plant, exclusion or eradication of infected
Six viruses were detected in samples collected from materials is the most effective means of controlling
the survey locations. The results show that potato was plant virus diseases. However, production of resistant
the most prominent host for the six viruses. The cultivar, thermotherapy, chemotherapy, meristem
prevalence rate of the viruses infecting potato in a culture and cold treatment techniques have provided
decreasing order was: PVM, PVY, PVX, PVA, PVS, promising results for the production of virus-free
and PLRV. Diseased samples were significant in both propagation materials for crops of agricultural and
cropping systems for all locations. A survey of tomato, horticultural importance (Ali et al., 2014; Faccioli,

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2001; López-Delgado et al., 2004; Šip, 1972; Wang throughout the western highlands of Cameroon on
and Valkonen, 2009). These control methods are tomato, potato, pepper and huckleberry, nevertheless,
viable alternatives that could be contemplated in the the prevalence of PVY was significantly high. PVY is a
North Western Highlands of Cameroon. Nevertheless, member of the Potyvirus genus, the largest of six
detection and identification of viruses in host genera in the family Potyviridae. It is known for its
materials constitute a fundamental step in wide host range comprising many crop species from
management programs. This can be accomplished by Solanaceae; tomato, pepper, and tobacco (Büchen-
biological indexing, serological and molecular osmond, 1987) and infecting species of most
methods. Routine diagnosis of plant virus diseases angiosperm taxa in both temperate and tropical
based on symptom expression in their natural hosts is climates. In a monoculture of potatoes, tomato,
often difficult. Moreover, plant materials prepared as pepper or huckleberry, the spread of PVY is favored
virus-free stock still require screening for as viruliferous aphids move from infected to healthy
confirmation. Serological techniques are among the plants without loss of infectivity. This phenomenon is
most reliable for disease diagnosis and plant virus much higher in mix cropping field where all the
detection (Van Regenmortel and Dubs, 1993). plants are natural host for PVY. This might be a
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) possible explanation for the relatively high prevalence
techniques were developed (Clark and Adams, 1977). of PVY in all the localities surveyed. Growing
Under circumstances of limited resources, it is the alternative hosts for a particular virus makes it
routinely used technique because it is a sufficiently endemic (Zitter, 1977). We reason that, advising
reliable, fast and sensitive approach to detect most of farmers who practice mixed cropping to consider
the potato viruses (Petrunak et al., 1991; Wróbel, planting plants that are not host to PVY and related
2014). The technique is also easy to use, allows viruses could be one way of reducing virus incidence.
viruses to be detected in the presence of host plant
material or other impurities, making it possible and The type of interaction that usually occurs between

very useful for detecting plant viruses in the field the environment (location and time), the vector,

(Njukeng et al., 2002; Njukeng et al., 2004). It is viruses and the host plant due to the existence of a

important that the government and other favorable environmental condition for epidemic

stakeholders ensure the training of farmers on basic development, widespread occurrence, susceptible of

testing techniques and provide test kits to facilitate cultivars and the use of non-certified virus infected

early detection and control. seed might be possible contributions for

discrepancies in the relative prevalence recorded for
Earlier surveys of potato viruses in the Western these viruses in different locations. The high
highlands of Cameroon reported varied prevalence of prevalence of the six viruses in Bambili might be due
these viruses (Fondong et al., 1991; Njukeng et al., to the presence of a high population of aphids, the
2013a). Fondong and colleagues (1991) surveyed four planting of already infected tubers coupled with
potato viruses (PVS, PVY, PVX and PLRV) and human activity in the farm which helped to increase
reported PVS (Carlavirus) and PVY (Potyvirus) to be the infection and spread of these viruses. The
the most prevalent. In 2013, PVM (Carlavirus) was prevalence of PVY and PVX was high in Dschang.
the most prevalent in potato fields according to a Both PVS and PVM are members of the genus
report by Njukeng et al., (2013a) following their Carlavirus and are spread by aphids in a semi-
survey of six potato viruses (Njukeng et al., 2013a). persistent manner or through seed (Astier et al.,
The present work shows the prevalence of these 2001) and infect only few hosts. Previous works
viruses, with PVY being the most prevalent followed sampled only a single host (potato), while the present
by PVX and PVA. These are indications that the report covers several natural host (pepper, tomato,
dominance of particular viral strains has changed potato and huckleberry) assessed for the prevalence
over the last two decades. The six potato viruses occur of six potato viruses. The aforementioned points are

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possible explanations accounting for the high as the most significant of all interacting factors that
prevalence of the six potato viruses in Bambili. The enhance virus spread (Ata et al., 1982, Njukeng et al.
high prevalence of PVY recorded in Djuttitsa and low 2013a). The high incidence of PVY, PVX and PVA could
prevalence recorded for PLRV is in accordance with therefore partly be explained by the fact that they could
previous reports (Fondong et al., 1991; Njukeng et al., be transmitted both mechanically and by insect vectors
2013a). The lowest percentage infection was recorded (Aquino et al., 1996; Fox et al., 2017; Roberts, 1948;
by PLRV, being generally less than 50%. The Sertkaya and Sertkaya, 2005). Transmision from one
relatively low prevalence of PLRV is likely due to the host to another is an important stage in the life-cycle of
fact that PLRV is not transmitted mechanically, hence viruses as this ensures spread and maintenance in the
farm activities do not help in spreading the virus. host. Previous research reported that transmission
PLRV is transmitted by aphids in a persistent manner mechanisms shape the effect of viruses during host-virus
thus dependent on the timing of sampling with interaction (Gutiérrez et al., 2013; Mauck et al., 2012).
relation to aphid activity. Low temperatures which led Vector-borne pathogens often alter the traits of their
to low aphid population and less aphid activity could hosts (life cycle, population genetics) in ways that
partly explain the low prevalence of PLRV. influence the frequency and nature of interactions
between host and vector (Eigenbrode et al., 2002;
In these locations, mix cropping by planting potential Mauck et al., 2012)
natural host modifies field ecosystems by making it
possible for the spread of these viruses. In this case a There is high specialization in virus-host relationship;

single host can easily be infected by two or more virus viruses are restricted to a particular type of host.

isolate. Sole cropping enhances the spread of viruses However, insect vectors transmitted viruses can

of a particular isolate irrespective of the fact that replicate within both their host and their vector and

aphids can transmit faster without losing infectivity. can infect plant of closely related taxa (specialist

The prevalence of PVY and PVX in Dschang can be virus), or far relative (generalist or multi-host virus).

attributed to the fact that seeds used were not virus- It has been proposed that plant viruses are host

free coupled with the comparably high temperatures generalists and vector specialists (Power and Flecker,

that favour the proliferation of aphid populations and 2003). This was with reference to the analysis of 474

activities leading to high virus incidence. vector-transmitted viruses, with 9.9% having a single
host species and 58.4% having a single vector species
More than 25 different viruses are known to infect (Brunt et al., 1996). In addition, data on the natural
potato under natural condition with frequent co- host range of 29 virus species indicated 17% were
existence of two or more viruses in a single plant. The restricted to a single genus, while 35% extended over
damage caused by virus infection depends on the different plant families (García-Arenal and
particular virus or combination of viruses present, McDonald, 2003). Genetic differentiation of virus
virulence of virus strains, susceptibility of the variety, populations according to host species or populations
timing of infection, the abundance of insect vectors may be indicative of host adaptation (Elena et al.,
and environmental condition. Variations in the 2011; García-Arenal et al., 2001; Moury et al., 2006;
relative prevalence of viruses in different host from Seal et al., 2006). The susceptibility of potential hosts
the different location can be explained by the factors to potato viruses vary enormously, with close relatives
determining virus infection and spread in the of the natural host typically being the most
locations where samples were collected. These susceptible. For viruses to effectively invade thier
locations were at different geographical regions host, they must adapt by evolving to use different
having varied altitudes which can greatly shape their receptors, to escape the plants immune response.
respective environmental conditions. A report by There is ample evidence that among these viruses
Wood and Jellis in 1984 described the incidence of (PVY, PVX, PVM, PVS, PVA and PLRV), PVY has a
viruliferous aphid vectors early in the growing season naturally wide host range comprising up to nine

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families including important crops such as pepper (Annis et al., 1982). Mix cropping or inter cropping is
(Capsicum spp.), potato (Solanum tuberosum a measure used to reduce aphid population and
ssp. tuberosum),tobacco (Nicotiana spp.), tomato subsequently virus transmission and spread
(Lycopersicon esculentum) (Jeffries, 1998a). Potato (McKinlay, 1985). It is clear that mix cropping with
Virus X (PVX) is known to infect more than 240 non-susceptible or non-host mimics and
species in 16 families with majority of these hosts reduces/inhibits vector movement. Fereres (2000)
found in the Solanaceae (Purcifull and Edwardson, successfully used barrier crops (sink) to control
1981). Four of these six viruses, PLRV, PVM, PVA and viruses by altering vector movement into crop filed
PVS have narrow host ranges with susceptible species thus reducing virus population. Barrier plants act as
belonging mainly to the Solanaceae (Hiruki, 1970; sinks, for it alters the flight pattern of insect vector
MacLachlan et al., 1953). Host species equally has an (Fereres, 2000). Mix cropping of pepper with maize,
influence on infection with respect to virus strain. okra, sorghum and cotton; and potato with soybean,
Example some species of potato and pepper are useful sorghum and wheat serves as barrier to pepper and
for distinguishing strains and phenotype among PVY potato for virus infection. Relatively, these are better
(Gebre Selassie et al., 1985; Jones, 1990; Kerlan et al., explanations for the high relative prevalence of potato
1999). Host range (the number of plant species viruses in mix cropping in the present case study.
exploited by a virus) evolution in plant viruses as Crops used are all common natural host and thus
predicted by researchers is a key element that shapes susceptible host to these potato viruses. Contrary,
virus epidemiology and changes in host range sole/mono cropping presents limited host range in
resulting to host range expansions is at the root of the same field leading to reduction in virus
virus emergence either in new host species or in host transmission and spread thus, recorded relatively low
genotypes previously resistant to the virus (Frank, percentage prevalence of potato viruses.
1996; Lajeunesse and Forbes, 2002; Woolhouse et al.,
2001). A specific case of host range expansion is Pest and pathogens in Solanum scabrun are similar
resistance breaking, i.e. the acquisition by the virus of to those of Solanaceae family with fungus responsible
the capacity to parasitize host plant genotypes for late (Phytophothora infestans) and early
immune or resistant to other virus genotypes. (Altenaria solani) blight being the most devastating.
However, this phenomenon threatens the efficiency of Nematode and bacterial disease on Solanum have
the control of viral diseases in crops based on genetic been reported in in Kenya and Tanzania. Leaf curl
resistance bred into cultivars (Maule et al., 2007). and leaf mosaic are the prominent viral diseases in
The points advanced might help explain the Solanum scabrum inflicted by Tomato yellow leaf
difference in prevalence of these six viruses, which curl virus (TYLCV) and Cucumber mosaic virus
was observed to be high in potato; and the prevalence (CMV) (Garcia-Andres et al 2006). Potyvirus-infected
in tomato of PVY and PVX, pepper PVY and PVX and huckleberry has been reported in Kenya (Juliane
Huckleberry and the low prevalence of PVY and Langer et al) and to the best of our knowledge this is
PLRV. It is worth noting that it is the first time PLRV the first time Polerovirus (PLRV) have been detected
and PVY have been detected in huckleberry. in huckleberry.

Mix-cropping systems have been shown to reduce the Conclusion

incidence of non-persistent insect-borne viruses in The prevalence of the six potato viruses is on a steady
other agricultural crops and might be a useful strategy increase in the Western Highlands of Cameroon.
for minimizing the spread of potato viruses in organic Mixed viral infections of heterologous Potato viruses
potato fields. Myzus persicae which is one of the most [(Potato virus S and Potato virus M (Carlavirus),
important crop pest acts as an efficient plant virus Potato virus Y and Potato virus A (Potyvirus), Potato
vector to plants of the Solanaceae, Chenopodiaceae, virus X (Potexvirus), and Potato leaf roll virus
Composittae, Cruciferae and Cucubitaceae families (Polerovirus)] are a regular occurrence in the

Chewachong et al. Page 32

 Int. J. Agron. Agri. R.

Western Highlands of Cameroon in potato, pepper, Balachandran S, Hurry V, Kelley S, Osmond C,

tomato and huckleberry cropping systems. Robinson S, Rohozinski J, Seaton G, Sims D.
1997. Concepts of plant biotic stress. Some insights
It may be due to the absence or limited virus control into the stress physiology of virus‐infected plants,
methods applied in field crops and/or ignorance of from the perspective of photosynthesis. Physiologia
farmers about symptom or existing strategies to Plantarum, 100, 203-213.
manage plant viruses. The danger of mix cropping
using host plants that are susceptible to a range of Banttari E, Orr P, Preston D. 1990. Purple top as
viruses is equally revealed. Based on our results, we a cause of potato chip discoloration. Trans ASAE,
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