The International Society for Infectious Diseases ProMED, a program of the International Society for Infectious Diseases ProMED is reporting the discovery of Pepper ringspot virus (PepRSV) on both commercial and seed potato varieties in a variety of South African provinces.

This information was communicated the ProMed subscribers on the 9th of January 2024, using information obtained from the International Plant Protection Convention. The first time that we detected PepRSV within a commercial potato cultivar within South Africa was in October 2022. In the years since, this disease is present in many varieties of potatoes across the nation. The detection of the virus was confirmed by virologists from the plant employing RT-PCR methods.

The possibility of spreading PepRSV can negatively impact the domestic as well as international commerce, as well as the potential for exports of the affected products. It is believed that the South African Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD) is conducting research in areas of production to determine the extent and condition of the aphid. The phytosanitary measures are in place to limit the movement of host material to areas that are not infected. The PepRSV virus is considered as being present in the country except for designated areas free of virus.

PepRSV can affect a range of weeds and crops that include true seeds of tomatoes. It is spread through the soil by nematodes, which consume roots and tubers which can make it difficult to manage disease. The certification and the quarantine indexing of potatoes is essential for any viral disease.

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