A master’s thesis in the Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture, University of Kerbala, evaluated the resistance of certain genetic lines of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) and the role of some environmentally friendly agents in enhancing this resistance. The study was submitted by the student Al-Hawra Abdul-Yemaa Ali Hussein and was organized into six chapters.
The study highlighted the importance of:
First: Using certain genetic lines of tomato and environmentally friendly agents to evaluate their resistance to Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV).
Second: Stimulating induced systemic resistance (ISR) against the virus using certain fungi and chemical agents.
Third: Determining the effect of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) on the tomato plant’s content of some mineral elements, plant hormones, and enzymes.
The study aimed to provide several recommendations:
- It is recommended to cultivate genetic lines of tomato that have shown high genetic tolerance to TYLCV, particularly the MAHAVIS F1 and BAHJA F1 lines, especially in areas known for virus prevalence. Farmers are advised to avoid highly sensitive lines such as FAIRUZ F1 to reduce economic losses.
- Study gene expression of resistance genes (such as Ty genes) and defense-related enzymes and hormones to understand the precise molecular mechanisms underlying resistance and susceptibility in the MAHAVIS F1 and FAIRUZ F1 lines.
- Farmers and specialists should adopt an integrated management strategy based on prevention, including:
• Biological control: Using Trichoderma spp. as a protective treatment for soil or seeds before planting to stimulate the plant’s innate resistance.
• Balanced fertilization: Implementing fertilization programs that ensure a balanced supply of nutrients, especially NPK, which plays a direct role in enhancing plant health and its ability to withstand disease stress.
• Vector control: Focusing on controlling the whitefly, the main virus vector, using safe and effective methods, as controlling the vector is the first line of defense against virus spread. - Future research directions: It is recommended that future studies focus on:
• Expanding the scope of evaluation: Conducting surveys and evaluations of additional local and imported genetic lines to identify new sources of resistance against local TYLCV strains.
• Improving treatment protocols: Studying the interaction between biological treatments (Trichoderma) and balanced fertilization (NPK) and optimizing application timing to develop an integrated practical protocol that provides maximum protection for the crop.
