Response of mitotic division of tomato plants [Lycopersicin esculentum cv pearl gone] to viral infection by potato virus Y and/or tobacco Mosaic virus

ABSTRACT

Disturbances in mitotic division in tomato plants in response to viral infection by potato virus Y [PVY] and/or tobacco mosaic virus-E [TMV- E] were determined after 1, 5, 10, 15, 25, 35 and 45 days post inoculation. The results revealed that either PVY or TMV significantly lowered the mitotic division in tomato plants as indicated by the comparatively lower mitotic index than the respective control. PVY was much more effective than TMV-E. Complete arrest of mitotic division was recorded at 45 days post inoculation with either viruses. Mixed infection insignificantly affected mitotic division of tomato plants. Under all experimental conditions the percentage prophase increased with continued growth, whereas, the percentage of the other phases decreased