Incidence and some effects of potato virus Y on new zealand flue-cured tobacco

Abstract

The percentage infection with potato virus Y in 19 tobacco crops in the Nelson district at the end of the 1964-65 season varied from 0-720/0. with an average of 260/0. Virus Y markedly reduced the weight and leaf area of tobacco plants. The quality of the cured leaf was also adversely affected, and the nor-nicotine content was higher and the reducing sugars were lower in infected leaves. Infection of tobacco plants with virus Y did not affect the germinaton of seed.