First report of pepper ringspot virus in South Africa, damaging potato
Pepper ringspot virus (Tobravirus, PepRSV) is a virus species that has so far only been reported in Brazil where it causes diseases on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), pepper (Capsicum annuum) and artichoke (Cynara scolymus).
According to the NPPO of South Africa, PepRSV was detected in October 2022 in a field of potatoes (commercial production) in Polokwane, Capricorn District Municipality, Limpopo Province. From April 2023, it was detected in four other provinces:
- Free State Province (district municipalities of Thabo Mofutsanyane, Lejweleputswa, and Fezile Dabi);
- North West Province (district municipalities of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and Bojanala Platinum);
- Northern Cape Province (district municipalities of Francis Baard and Pixley Ka Seme);
- Kwa-Zulu Natal Province (district municipalities of Umgungundlovu).
PepRSV is not known to occur in the Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, and Western Cape Provinces.
PepRSV was found to cause brown arcs and flecks in potato tubers, which is referred to as spraing, similar to the related species, tobacco rattle virus (Tobravirus, TRV). In South Africa, PepRSV was detected by RT-PCR both in seed and ware potatoes. Delimiting surveys are conducted in production areas to determine the extent of its spread, as well as the pest status in other parts of South Africa. Phytosanitary measures are implemented to restrict the movement of host material from infected to non-infected areas.
The pest status of pepper ringspot virus in South Africa is officially declared as: Present, except in specified pest free areas.
Sources
IPPC website. Official Pest Reports- South Africa (ZAF-57/2 of 2023-12-21) Notification on the detection of Pepper ringspot virus (PepRSV) in the Republic of South Africa. https://www.ippc.int/fr/countries/south-africa/pestreports/2023/12/notification-of-the-detection-of-pepper-ringspot-virus-peprsv-in-the-republic-of-south-africa/
ARC (undated) Pepper ringspot virus testing, Ensure that your seed potatoes are virus free. https://www.arc.agric.za/Agricultural%20Sector%20News/Pepper%20ringspot%20virus%20testing.pdf