Desarrollo de un método rápido de detección de la enfermedad viral del camote (SPVD) y estudio del comportamiento de insectos vectores asociados, como estrategia de prevención y control fitosanitario en apoyo a la competitividad del sector productivo de Costa Rica

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is one of the ten most important food crops globally. It is especially relevant in tropical and subtropical countries due to its high productivity per unit of cultivation area, good performance on infertile soils, and relative insensitivity to drought. These characteristics make this crop ideal for providing a secure food supply. However, their productivity is affected by viral diseases. Co-infection of multiple viruses results in magnified disease symptoms and reduced performance compared to individual infections. Sweet potato viral disease (SPVD, Crinivirus), co-infection of sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPMFV, Potyvirus), and sweet potato chlorotic dwarf virus (SPCSV) is listed as its most crucial viral pathology; capable of affecting productive performance between 70% and 100%. Furthermore, SPFMV and SPCSV spread quickly by insects and vectors. For this reason, detecting and controlling SPVD is critical to maintaining crop health and productivity. The replication of other viral detection protocols is a variable factor since these can fail when applied with the same parameters used in distant geographical areas or after the appearance of divergent viral variants. Phylogenetic analyzes of 122 SPFMV isolates identified four viral strains; Currently, two strains of SPCSV are known. These variations in the viral genome may be closely related to the degree of virulence and make accurate generic detection of the causative agent difficult. Therefore, the mapping and characterization of local viral strains are essential for developing immunization and prophylaxis strategies. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses, around 527.6 hectares of sweet potatoes are planted in Costa Rica. The primary source of income obtained from this crop is the product of its export and marketing abroad. For this reason, it is critical to have high-yielding plant material that meets the quality levels demanded by international markets and at the same time supports small and medium-sized producers in improving their crops, as well as in the management of raising the field productivity. However, to date, the local virus populations representing SVPD in our country have not been genetically characterized, a critical aspect for developing adequate protocols for the detection, prevention, and control of the disease. In addition, the biology of the vector insect populations associated with SPVD is unknown, a crucial factor for establishing management tactics and control of the spread of the virus. Therefore, this research proposal aims to establish a local characterization and a reliable, rapid, and low-cost detection protocol for the viruses that cause SVPD and the study of the dynamics of the main insect vectors associated with the disease. The above is to contribute to the productive sector of sweet potato tubers in Costa Rica with measures for a comprehensive strategy of prevention and phytosanitary control, improving the sector's competitiveness.

Establecer una caracterización local y un protocolo de detección fiable, rápido y de bajo costo de los virus causantes de la SPVD, así como el estudio de aspectos
de la dinámica de los principales insectos vectores asociados a la enfermedad, con el fin de contribuir al sector productivo de tubérculos de camote de Costa Rica
dentro de una estrategia integral de prevención y control fitosanitario, mejorando
la competitividad del sector.

Biotecnología Vegetal