Cases of potato infection with a dangerous spindle-shaped viroid have been detected. Laboratory research is being conducted in the Amur region and Yakutia.

Sampling was carried out at the temporary storage warehouse of the TLT "Kanikurgan". The total volume of the sampled batches exceeded 11,000 tons. This work was carried out by the inspectors of the Inspection Authority and the inspectors of the Rosselkhoznadzor Administration for the Amur Region and the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia).

Laboratory researchers conducted studies, including entomological, mycological, helminthological, bacteriological, and virological research. The aim of the research was to identify dangerous quarantine pests and plant diseases.

The results of the laboratory tests showed that in 3 samples collected since the beginning of the year, out of a total volume of 75 tons, cases of infection with a dangerous quarantine viral disease, namely the Potato spindle tuber viroid, were detected.

Information about the conducted research was transmitted to the territorial administration of Rosselkhoznadzor.

The Potato spindle tuber viroid does not pose a threat to human health and life. However, its main damage lies in the loss of potato crop yield by 30-90%, depending on the variety and strain of the pathogen.

Symptoms of infection include a change in the shape of leaf blades of shoots, which acquire a needle-like form. Potato tubers also change their shape under severe infection and become more elongated, resembling a spindle. Often, the disease on the tubers shows no external signs and manifests itself covertly (latently).