Enhanced diagnostics of RNA and DNA viruses and control of viral synergism and yield losses in subsistence sweetpotato production

Sweetpotato is an important subsistence, food security and famine relief crop in sub-Saharan Africa. Its cultivation area grows faster than any other traditional subsistence crop. Half of the global production occurs around Lake Victoria in East Africa, where viruses cause the only significant diseases in sweetpotato. Wild plants act as virus reservoirs. The most severe diseases and yield losses are caused by mixed infection of Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV) with other viruses, because an enzyme produced by SPCSV eliminates antiviral defence and hence enhances multiplication of the other viruses. In this project, an international research and training network will survey a wide range of viruses in sweetpotato crops and related wild species in East Africa using novel diagnostic methods and develop means to prevent SPCSV from suppressing antiviral defence in sweetpotato. Young scientists from developing countries will benefit from research training, networking and mobility.