Climate change has led to the emergence of pests and diseases in previously unaffected regions, challenging food security and poverty alleviation among smallholder farmers. The Pepper ringspot virus (PepRSV), part of the Tobra virus genus, has been a concern in Brazil, affecting tomatoes, peppers, and artichokes.
Despite efforts to contain it, the virus now threatens potato production in South Africa, a staple food for many. PepRSV's spread to Africa endangers communities reliant on potatoes for food and income. However, hybrid potato breeding technology offers hope for combating this soil-borne virus.
Charles Miller, Director of Strategic Alliances and Development at Solynta, highlights the challenge PepRSV presents, especially for farmers using soil-harvested tubers as seed stock, which can carry and spread the virus. According to Miller, Solynta's Hybrid True Potato Seeds (HTPS) technology provides a solution by bypassing soil-borne virus transmission, enhancing disease resistance and crop resilience.
Source: farmersreviewafrica.com