Spread and interaction of Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) and Pythium aphanidermatum in a closed nutrient solution recirculation system: effects on tomato growth and yield

Abstract

Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) was shown to be efficiently transmitted between tomato plants grown in a closed recirculating hydroponic system. PepMV was detected in all plant parts after transmission via contaminated nutrient solution using ELISA, immunocapture RT-PCR, RT-PCR, electron microscopy, and by inoculation to indicator plants. Detection of PepMV in nutrient solution was only possible after concentration by ultracentrifugation followed by RT-PCR. Roots tested positive for PepMV 1-3 weeks after inoculation, and subsequently a rapid spread from the roots into the young leaves and developing fruits was found within 1 week. PepMV was only occasionally detected in the older leaves. None of the infected plants showed any symptoms on fruits, leaves or other organs. Pre-infection of roots of tomato cv. Hildares with Pythium aphanidermatum significantly delayed PepMV root infections. When mechanically inoculated with PepMV at the 2-4 leaf stage, yield loss was observed in all plants. However, only plants of cv. Castle Rock recorded significant yield losses when infected via contaminated nutrient solution. Yield losses induced by infection with PepMV and/or P. aphanidermatum ranged from 0 4 up to 40% depending on experimental conditions.

Keywords

epidemiology; hydroponics; Lycopersicon esculentum; plant-pathogen interaction; Solanum lycopersicum; water transmission

Published in

Plant Pathology
2010, volume: 59, number: 3, pages: 443-452
Publisher: WILEY-BLACKWELL

SLU Authors

• Beuch, Ulrike

  • Department of Plant Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • Humboldt University of Berlin

UKÄ Subject classification

Agricultural Science

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3059.2009.02229.x

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/61069