INFECTION WITH TOMATO MOSAIC VIRUS REDUCES LYCOPENE ACCUMULATION IN TOMATO FRUITS

Abstract

Lycopene content in tomato germplasm (both local and exotic) was evaluated against isolates of tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), using a locally preferred hybrid i.e., Rio Grande as a control. Promising lines with resistance to ToMV were assessed by total carotenoid and lycopene content in virus-challenged tomato genotypes using spectrophotometry and RP-HPLC. Our data showed that virus infection significantly lessens the total carotenoid and lycopene content in tomato fruit. Lycopene content was significantly reduced in infected tomato compared to healthy, in locally cultivated hybrid Rio Grande. The germplasm GT-47 (CLN-2123-E) showed 60% decrease in lycopene content in infected tomato when in comparison to healthy produce. The virus infection, however, exhibited less deleterious effect on DPPH-based anti-oxidant potential of the ToMV infected tomato genotypes.