Response of nitrogen components of tomato plants to potato virus- Y infection

ABSTRACT

Changes in nitrogen components of leaves of susceptible [Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Moneymaker] and resistant [Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium L.] tomato species, at various intervals post- inoculation with Yo group [common strain of potato virus Y [PVY]] were recorded. In susceptible tomato species, virus infection lowered the total nitrogen content as a result of decreased amino peptide, nitrate and total nitrogen components. The maximum decrease was recorded after 28 days post-inoculation. The remaining components were not affected by the infection, but the insoluble nitrogen increased, reaching maximum at 14 and 21 days post-inoculation. In resistant tomato species, virus infection stimulated total nitrogen accumulation as a result of increased peptide, nitrite and insoluble nitrogen contents. The effect was most pronounced at 14 days post- inoculation. The other components were less than in the control. The drop reached its maximum after 7, 21 and 28 days post-inoculation