EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON SUSCEPTIBILITY OF LAGENARIA SICERARIA STANDL. (BOTTLE GOURD) TO CMV AND WMV

摘要

Temperature plays a significant role in increasing or decreasing the susceptibility of Bottle gourd Lagenaria siceraria to CMV and WMV when treated at various temperatures before and after inoculation. The inoculated seedlings were kept under observation for 30 days after inoculation. Symptoms on inoculated plants were recorded from first appearance (7-10 days) to 30th day of inoculation. Plants treated at 30°C before inoculation showed slight increase in susceptibility to both the viruses as compared to the plant kept at normal temperature (control). Susceptibility to the viruses was highest at 30°C giving 100% infection. Sharp reduction in susceptibility was recorded at 40°C and onwards. Only 40 and 45% reduction occurred at 50°C of CMV and WMV, respectively. In post inoculation temperature treatment of plants, inoculation with CMV and WMV showed a gradual decrease in their susceptibility. There was no significant change at 30°C. Maximum infection was achieved in control lot and a sharp decrease was noticed at 35°C and onwards.