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- Title
Effects of the Papaya meleira virus on papaya latex structure and composition.
- Authors
Silas Rodrigues; Maura Da Cunha; José Ventura; Patricia Fernandes
- Abstract
Abstract Spontaneous latex exudation is the main symptom of papaya sticky (meleira) disease caused by the Papaya meleira virus (PMeV), a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) virus. This paper describes different effects of PMeV on papaya latex. Latex samples were subjected to different histochemical tests to evaluate their chemical composition. Additionally, the integrity of the latex particles was assessed by transmission and scanning electron microscopy analysis. Biochemical and micro- and macro-element measurements were performed. PMeV dsRNA extraction was performed to evaluate the interaction of the virus with the latex particles. Sticky diseased latex was positive for alkaloid biosynthesis and showed an accumulation of calcium oxalate crystals. PMeV also increased H2O2 synthesis within sticky diseased laticifers. The protein, sugar and water levels were altered, probably due to chemical changes. The morphology of the latex particles was further altered; PMeV particles seemed to be bound to the latex particles. The alkaloid and H2O2 biosynthesis in the papaya laticifers indicate a papaya defense response against PMeV. However, such efforts failed, as the virus affected the plant latex. The effects described here suggest some advantages of the infection process, including facilitating the movement of the virus within the papaya plant.
- Subjects
PAPAYA; PAWPAW; LATEX; PLANT diseases
- Publication
Plant Cell Reports, 2009, Vol 28, Issue 5, p861
- ISSN
0721-7714
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s00299-009-0673-7