Enhancing Potato Protection: Extended Mineral Oil Use for Managing Aphid-Vectored Viruses

Potatoes have shown to provide increased protection against aphid attacks, especially concerning the management of non-persistent aphid-vectored viruses. In response to the prevalence of mosaic virus potato virus Y (PVY) in British potato production, a paraffin-based mineral oil product called Olie-H has received emergency approval for extended use.

Previously, mineral oil products were restricted to application in seed potato crops from emergence up to tuber initiation. However, recognizing the significant impact of PVY on potato crops, organizations such as the Horticulture Crop Protection and the Seed Potato Organisation advocated for the expanded use of Olie-H to combat this destructive virus throughout various growth stages.

PVY stands out as one of the most detrimental potato viruses due to its adverse effects on both the quality and yield of the crop. Plants infected with PVY often exhibit reduced vigor, resulting in the production of smaller tubers