Study on the Effect of Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) and Potato Virus Y (PVY) on Tobacco Quality

Tobacco quality is a basic factor in the present highly competitive market. The requirements of the manufacturing industry define the task of tobacco growers to provide quality tobaccos of high use-value. Unfortunately, a considerable part of the tobacco varieties grown in our country are susceptible to some of the main viruses. The increased invasion of PVY and TMV is an important factor in tobacco defectiveness. The aim of the present investigation was to study the effect of artificial inoculation with TMV and PVY on tobacco quality. The results of the expert evaluation and of the chemical analyses show a considerable deterioration of the quality of inoculated tobacco (Oriental, Virginia and Burley). The tobacco was very depressed, not typical in size, body and colour.