Virus vector aphid activity and seed potato tuber virus infection in Hungary

Abstract

An aphid and virus survey was conducted from 1993 and 1999 on the eastern lowlands in Hungary. Aphid flight was monitored with two yellow pan traps placed on the edge and in the middle of seed potato fields. From 1993 and 1997, aphid flight was monitored with a Rothamsted type suction trap. The aphid and virus survey was continued in four different regions of Hungary in 2000. Aphid flight activity recorded by the suction trap and the yellow pan traps was different. Cumulative vector intensity based on yellow pan trap catches revealed a greater variation between years than among the different locations. In 4 years out of 8, aphid flight was less intensive and quality seed potato was harvested regardless of the production site. Cumulative vector intensity is a good means to forecast the time of haulm destruction in seed potatoes.