Using Biotechnological Approaches for Virus Elimination in Sweet Potato: A Review

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) belongs to the Convolvulaceae family and is an important crop for food security. Sweet potato is subject to a wide range of pathogen infections. Among them, viral diseases are the major constraints for sweet potato productions, because viruses can be accumulated and transferred from one generation to the next through the use of infected storage roots for vegetative propagation. There are over 30 viruses worldwide that are known to infect sweet potato and many of them have been reported in the United States and have caused devastating yield losses. To realize the full potential of this crop, meristem-tip culture based biotechnique has been adopted for producing virus-indexed propagating material in the U.S. This review attempts to assess methodology for sweet potato virus detection and identification, as well as current biotechnological approaches for virus elimination and disease management. We also provide insights regarding the potential concerns and challenges for sweet potato industry.