Potato virus Y (PVY) is a serious disease limiting the production of certified disease-free seed potatoes. A non-persistent potyvirus, it is mechanically vectored in several ways, principally by aphid vectors. When an aphid probes an infected plant, virus particles bind to the proboscis and are transferred to the next susceptible host as the viruliferous aphid forages. There are, however, additional mechanical mechanisms whereby PVY is transmitted including seed cutting and along tractor rows. Colorado potato beetles (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) are voracious feeders of potato leaves and their mandibles may provide an avenue for successful virus transfer. Once row closure occurs, Colorado potato beetles may move and feed between neighboring plants, thus transmission of PVY may be occurring. In our research, we assess the ability for Colorado potato beetles to mechanically vector PVY through caged field and lab trials. The caged field trial examines possible transmission when Colorado potato beetles are feeding during row closure, and the lab trial evaluates presence of PVY on mandibles after Colorado potato beetles have fed on infected plant material. This research will lead to further analysis on the impact of Colorado potato beetles on potatoes and potential alterations to PVY management.
