Mohamed M. El-Sawy, Mohsen M. Elsharkawy*, Jehan M. Abass and Eman S. Hagag

Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) causes huge economic losses in tomato production in Egypt. The control of TYLCV is extremely difficult because it is easily transmitted by whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). The only available method to control TYLCV is primarily based on the use of insecticides. Consequently, it is important to search for an alternative method to control TYLCV. The potentials of silica nanoparticles and the extracts of ginger (Zingiber officinale) and horsemint (Mentha longifolia) to enhance systemic resistance against TYLCV were investigated under pot and field conditions. Disease severity was significantly reduced in tomato plants treated with ginger and horsemint extracts and silica nanoparticles. Treated plants exhibited less and delayed virus symptoms compared with non-treated control plants. Coat protein gene of TYLCV was not founded in treated plants compared with control plants. Similarly, virus concentration was also reduced in plants treated with ginger and horsemint extracts and silica nanoparticles using ELISA. The activities of peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase were significantly increased in comparison with control plants. All treatments significantly increased growth of tomato plants and quality characters of tomato fruits. This is the first report of silica nanoparticles and ginger and horsemint extracts as elicitors to suppress TYLCV infection in tomato plants..

Cite this Article: El-Sawy MM, Elsharkawy MM, Abass JM, Hagag ES. Inhibition of Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus by Zingiber officinale and Mentha longifolia Extracts and Silica Nanoparticles. Int J Antivir Antiretrovirology. 2018;1(1):001-006.

Published: 02 January 2018