Identification of Tobacco rattle virus resistant potato cultivars in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

Tobacco rattle virus (TRV) poses a significant challenge to potato production, particularly in the hilly and mountainous terrains of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan. To address this issue, the present study aimed to evaluate the resistance of ten potato cultivars, Line A, Kurado, Desiree, Bataina, Fleminco, Line B, Pomola, Ronaldo, Rodalph, and Margrata, against TRV. The study was conducted in two districts, Poonch and Sudhnoti, where the in vivo effects of TRV were assessed based on yield and quality characteristics. The research investigated the impact of TRV on plant growth and yield parameters using double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) techniques, highlighting the role of soil-borne nematodes as vectors. The findings suggested that none of the tested cultivars exhibited complete resistance to TRV, though Desiree and Fleminco demonstrated moderate insensitivity. These results provided valuable insights into TRV management and emphasized the need for further research on resistant germplasm. The study concluded that TRV and its vector posed significant threats to potato production in AJK, with no tested germplasm exhibiting complete resistance. These findings may aid the potato industry in selecting cultivars that help mitigate the financial burden of tuber necrosis caused by TRV. This research represents the first comprehensive screening of potato germplasm against TRV in AJK, underscoring the severity of the virus as a hazard in hilly regions. Future studies involving broader germplasm screening are recommended to validate and strengthen these findings, ultimately facilitating the development of TRV-resistant potato varieties.