Potyvirus is a genus of viruses, in the family Potyviridae. Plants serve as natural hosts. There are currently 158 species in this genus including the type species Potato virus Y. The genus is named after the type virus (Potato virus Y). Potyviruses account for ~30% of the currently known plant viruses. Like Begomoviruses, members of this genus may cause significant losses in agricultural, pastoral, horticultural and ornamental crops. More than 200 species of aphids spread potyviruses and most are from the subfamily Aphidinae (genera Macrosiphum and Myzus).