1Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla-171 001, (H.P.).
2Central Potato Research Station, Modipuram-250 110, (U.P.).
*Publication No. 1573, CPRI, Shimla.
Data were collected for ten years on appearance and build up of aphid, M. persicae on potato crop in Meerut, UP in North-western plains with three predominant varieties for the region, viz. Kufri Chandramukhi, Kufri Bahar and Kufri Badshah. The stocks were monitored visually and serologically for PVY infection and also compared for their yield vis-a-vis-fresh breeders' seed. M. persicae started appearing from that of 2nd week of November almost one month after planting but its population remained low till end of December/1st week of January, because of prevailing low temperatures. The experimental seed stocks did not show degeneration with PVY infection - remaining below 0.5% and yields ranged between 24–30 t/ha depending on the variety in 90 days even without insecticide. The results show that M. persicae is perhaps not serving as an efficient vector in NW plains hence the seed stocks may be replaced once in five to seven years instead of three to five as recommended now.
