Plant and Soil Science

Assessment of the physiological state of the P-HL-A rootstock under conditions of phytoplasma infection

Liliia Pavliuk, Michaela Marklová
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Abstract

The relevance of the study was conditioned by the significant influence of phytoplasma infections on the productivity and physiological state of rootstocks of garden crops, which created risks for the survival and development of buds during grafting and their further growth. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the physiological suitability of the P-HL-A rootstock in conditions of potential or existing phytoplasma infection during grafting. To achieve this goal, methods of molecular diagnostics were used, namely polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in real time to determine the presence of a pathogen, analysis of leaf tissue turgescence to assess water deficiency, and spectrophotometric determination of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids). Changes in the water regime and functional state of the photosynthetic apparatus of P-HL-A rootstocks depending on the degree of infection were studied. It was found that phytoplasma damage causes water deficiency in the range of 31.6-37.5% and a decrease in relative turgescence to 62.4-68.4%, which indicated the development of moderate water stress. The content of photosynthetic pigments was analysed, which decreased by 11.9-33.3% depending on the type of pigment and the level of infectious load. It was generalised that the initial exposure to the pathogen was manifested by a decrease in cell turgor and photosynthetic activity, which can negatively affect kidney survival during inoculation. The practical significance of the study lies in the fact that the results obtained can be used by gardeners, agronomists, and researchers in nurseries and research stations to optimise agrotechnical measures, control phytoplasma infections, and increase the efficiency of reproduction of fruit crops

Keywords

water deficiency; photosynthesis; cell turgescence; chlorophyll; carotenoids

Suggested citation
Pavliuk, L., & Marklová, M. (2025). Assessment of the physiological state of the P-HL-A rootstock under conditions of phytoplasma infection. Plant and Soil Science, 16(4), 47-56. https://doi.org/10.31548/plant4.2025.47
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