Infection with Tomato Mosaic Virus Reduces Lycopene Accumulation in Tomato Fruits

Abstract

Despite Lycopene content in tomato germplasm (both local and exotic) was evaluated against isolates of tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), using a locally preferred hybrid i.e., Rio Grande as a control. Promising lines with resistance to ToMV were assessed by total carotenoid and lycopene content in virus-challenged tomato genotypes using spectrophotometry and RP-HPLC. Our data showed that virus infection significantly lessens the total carotenoid and lycopene content in tomato fruit. Lycopene content was significantly reduced in infected tomato compared to healthy, in locally cultivated hybrid Rio Grande. The germplasm GT-47 (CLN-2123-E) showed 60% decrease in lycopene content in infected tomato when in comparison to healthy produce. The virus infection, however, exhibited less deleterious effect on DPPH-based anti-oxidant potential of the ToMV infected tomato genotypes.

Effect of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) Infection of some Tomato (Solanum lycopersicom L.) Genotypes on Fruits Content of Lycopene and some Vitamins

“…The results of the study agreed with the results of [19] which showed a decrease in the amount of lycopene in tomato fruits infected with TYLCV compared to non-infected plants. [20] also showed that infection of tested genotypes against Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) affected the plant content of lycopene present in infected tomato fruits with a significant difference from uninfected plants.…”

“…Consequently, this led to the plant not forming tomato fruits, and if they did, they would be small in size. In addition, the effect of the virus on plant dry weight [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23]. [20] reported that TYLCV infects the phloem cells, causing a decrease in the rates of transport and distribution of nutrients, which leads to a decrease in the level of many materials necessary for building and sustaining plant life.…”

“…In addition, the effect of the virus on plant dry weight [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23]. [20] reported that TYLCV infects the phloem cells, causing a decrease in the rates of transport and distribution of nutrients, which leads to a decrease in the level of many materials necessary for building and sustaining plant life. Thus, the effect of infection on the quantity and quality of the resulting fruits.…”