Viral infections and their vector dynamics pose a major threat to potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) worldwide, urgently needing an integrated understanding of the molecular and ecological interactions in this tripartite system. This review describes the major potato viruses, namely potato virus Y (PVY), the potato leafroll virus (PLRV), and potato virus X (PVX), with an emphasis on their infection and replication strategies in plants, as well as their movement within them. It also discusses plant responses to these viruses by uncovering RNA silencing, resistance (R) genes, and hormonal signaling. The complex dynamics of virus–vector interactions are discussed, considering the modes of transmission-persistent, non-persistent and semi-persistent—the role of viral proteins such as HC-Pro in determining vector specificity and adaptations in vectors that facilitate virus dissemination. This article discusses how vectors select potato plants, with an emphasis on the role played by plant-excreted volatiles and vector-applied saliva in plant defense. It also discusses host genes that contribute to vector resistance. This review provides an overview of the interactions between potato plants, viruses, and vectors and shows how viruses influence plant–vector interactions, the molecular pathways shared, and the altered gene expression profiles due to these interactions. The review offers an integrated perspective essential for developing sustainable and precise control strategies against potato viral pathogens under changing climatic conditions.

Potato is one of the most consumed crops worldwide. One strategy aimed at pathogen and pest management is the cultivation of resistant varieties. In this study, 352 genotypes from the Kazakhstan potato germplasm collection were screened for the presence of loci for resistance to the most harmful pathogens and pests using 30 DNA markers. ‘Rucheek’ and ‘Spiridon’, among the top global varieties, and ‘Janaisan’ and ‘Fedor’, among the top local varieties, were identified as bearing the most resistance loci in the collection, with at least 14 markers each. The specimens carrying the genes Ryadg (ADG1, ADG2), Nb (SPUD237), Ns (SC811, CP16), Rpi-phu1 (GP94), and GroV1 (X02), which demonstrate confirmed resistance to PVY, PVA, PVX, PVS, Phytophthora infestans, and Globodera rostochiensis, were most frequently found in the collection. Loci for resistance to Synchytrium endobioticum and Globodera pallida were less introgressed into the Kazakhstani cultivars and were almost absent in the germplasm collection. The less abundant loci found in the current potato collection were Ryadg (RysC3), Gro1-4 (Gro1-4), and Rladg (RGASC₈₅₀). Screening of the potato collection showed that the markers SPUD237, CP60, 45/X1, and CT214 generated additional polymorphic amplicons, while markers Nl25, C237, GP179, and GP122₇₁₈ were less applicable in robust large-scale screening. The results from this study may greatly contribute to marker-assisted selection and gene pyramiding strategies aimed at developing new potato varieties with multiple resistance to biotic stress

Wheat is an essential cereal crop for the economy and food safety of Kazakhstan. In the present work, a screening of wheat and barley from different regions of Kazakhstan was conducted using newly developed specific primers for reverse transcription PCR and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays. In total, 82 and 19 of 256 samples of wheat and barley tested positive for wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) and barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV), respectively. A phylogenetic analysis using two independent methods revealed that most of the analyzed isolates had a European origin. Molecular data on the distribution and diversity of cereal viruses in Kazakhstan were obtained for the first time and will help lay a foundation for the implementation of genetics and genomics in wheat phyto-epidemiology in the country.

The present study provides a comprehensive account of the advancement and utilization of guide RNAs (gRNAs) through the utilization of CRISPR/Cas systems in the identification of two prominent apple viruses, namely Apple Chlorotic Leaf Spot Virus (ACLSV) and Apple Stem Pitting Virus (ASPV). The presence of these viruses presents significant risks to the worldwide apple production industry, due to their adverse effects on fruit quality and yield. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the utilization of CRISPR technology, namely the CRISPR/Cas12a and Cas13a systems, when employed for accurate and highly sensitive diagnostic applications. The present methodology focuses on exploiting conserved areas within the viral genome to improve the efficacy of detection.The methodology involves the development of guide RNAs (gRNAs) that selectively bind to con-served areas within the viral genomes of ACLSV and ASPV. This is achieved by the application of bioinformatics techniques, which aim to reduce unintended effects and enhance the specificity of the targeting. The first stage of in vitro testing entails the production of synthetic viral RNA, followed by live plant testing to verify the efficacy of the gRNAs in real-world settings. Furthermore, the research project includes the generation of complete cDNA clones of the viruses in order to enhance comprehension of their genomic architectures, a critical aspect in the improvement of gRNA designs.This study highlights the incorporation of sophisticated genomic methodologies alongside conven-tional virology approaches in order to enhance the identification and control of plant viral illnesses. The objective is to enhance agricultural well-being and productivity by develop novel diagnostic strategies.