Impact of Cauliflower mosaic virus infection on morphological parameters of radish plants

Brassicaceae are among the most economically important crops in the world. Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) belongs to the family Brassicaceae, and is an economically important root crop grown worldwide. Radish is an alternative and economically important crop grown in the Black Sea region of Turkey cultivated in winter season. Brassica vegetables are highly susceptible to viral diseases. Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV), the type member of the genus Caulimovirus, is one of the most severe and destructive viral disease that causes serious damage and economic losses across the members of the Brassicaceae family. The virus systemically infects host plants and produces severe symptoms including leaf mosaic, mottling, and vein banding, reduced growth, developmental abnormalities and stunting. Infection with virus reduces radish plant vigour and subsequent root size. Trial was conducted at the Experimental field of Faculty of Agriculture, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey to assess the effect of CaMV infection on growth and yield attributes of radish. Plant-root height, leaf length-width, stalk length, plant-root fresh mass and plant-root dry mass were significantly lower in infected plants after eight weeks of virus infection as compared to healthy plants. It has been determined the negative effect of CaMV infection in growth, yield and the morphological attributes of radish in the current study.