Reaction of commercial sugar‑beet cultivars to beet curly top Iran virus (BCTIV)

Beet curly top Iran virus (BCTIV; family Geminiviridae, genus Becurtovirus, species Becurtovirus betae) is a widespread pathogen that reduces sugar beet yields in the Mediterranean and Middle East regions. This study aimed to investigate the reaction of seven commercial sugar beet cultivars to BCTIV to identify natural resistance to the virus. The cultivars were inoculated and maintained under greenhouse conditions. Virus accumulation was quantified at ۵۶ days post-inoculation (dpi) through quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The results showed that virus accumulation in Aria and Arta cultivars was lower than in other cultivars. On the other hand, Jolgeh, as a susceptible cultivar, exhibited the highest virus accumulation, which coincided with the most severe symptoms. When Jolgeh was inoculated with the virus, it exhibited the lowest greenness, photosynthesis, chlorophyll a and b, carotenoids, catalase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and proline compared to non-inoculated plants. Conversely, the Aria and Arta cultivars showed a smaller decline in the traits mentioned when inoculated with the virus. Collectively, the results of biochemical, physiological, and molecular assays revealed that the Aria and Arta cultivars were resistant to BCTIV infection. Since the virus has been reported in most sugar beet-growing areas in Iran, the Aria and Arta cultivars are recommended for cultivation in these regions.

کلیدواژه ها:

Becurtovirus betae ، Biochemical ، Geminiviruses ، Physiological traits