Detection and elimination of viruses infecting sweet potatoes in Hungary

Abstract

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas, family Convolvulaceae) is the third most important root and tuber crop globally (FAO, 2021). It is a highly fibrous and nutritious food crop with ornamental and medicinal value. It is recommended to consume orange and purple-fleshed sweet potatoes to prevent obesity, diabetes, cancer, and blindness (Loebenstein & Thottappilly, 2009).Viral diseases of sweet potato are a considerable menace to farmers as they cause significant economic losses. Globally, over 30 viruses affect the crop, the most common being sweet potato pakakuy virus (SPPV) and sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV)