The Effects of New Treatments on PVY Infected Potato Plants under Drought Conditions

Abstract

The effects of treatments with Satureja hortensis essential oils and exogenous H2O2 were evaluated in plants, testing positive after Potato virus Y (PVY) infection, under drought conditions. In vitro PVY infected and uninfected plants were transferred to a green-house, injected with a Satureja hortensis essential oils suspension, and sprayed twice a week with H2O2 (1 mM, pH 5.6). Under drought conditions, mini tubers produced by infected and treated plants had significantly more starch than the controls. The treatments had positive effects on infected mini tubers, such as weight, reduction of number, starch content, and sprouting. A signal role for Satureja hortensis essential oils and hydrogen peroxide in lessening symptoms is suggested.