Evaluation of physiological changes in resistant and susceptible sugar beet cultivars to Beet Necrotic Yellow Vein Virus

Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV), the causal agent of rhizomania, is one of the most important viruses influencing sugar beet root in Iran and other parts of the world. A high number of studies has been done on this disease and several resistant cultivars were introduced. In the present study, the physiological changes in two resistant and two susceptible sugar beet cultivars in interaction with this virus was studied. ELISA test results showed that susceptible cultivars had significantly higher virus concentration compared with resistant cultivars. Resistant cultivars showed significantly lower variation in fresh and dry root weight, chlorophyll and antioxidant content. Resistant cultivars showed higher variation in carbohydrate content, total phenol and protein compared with control. In general, BNYVV stimulates a prompt response and more physiological changes in resitant cultivars compared with susceptible ones.