Development of new QPCR-based identification systems for non-quarantine potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) pathogens distributed in the territory of Russia

Russia is among the largest potato producers in the world. According to statistics for 2018, the sown area of potatoes amounted to 310.7 thousand ha, which is 3.5 % more than in 2017, and the gross harvest in the industrial sector is 7157 thousand tons. At the same time, potatoes are susceptible to infection by various plant pathogens of different taxonomic groups. In modern potato growing, the progressive spread of viral and bacterial diseases, which, in addition to reducing the yield, causes a catastrophic deterioration of tubers' quality, leads to a serious problem for commercial production. Not all dangerous pathogens belong to quarantine organisms in Russia. However, the need for their accurate and highly specific identification is not less than for quarantine organisms. Currently, classic diagnostic methods in potato growing are indicator plants, serological and cytological tests. They are relatively reliable, but not always sensitive enough, time-consuming and their use requires highly qualified personnel...