Modulation of potassium and iron content in susceptible and moderately resistant tomato cultivars infected with Beet curly top Iran virus (BCTIV)

Beet curly top Iran virus (BCTIV) is one of the factors causing leaf curl disease in tomato plants. Most tomato cultivars have been grouped as susceptible and some moderate resistant to BCTIV. In addition, the level of minerals varies between susceptible and resistant plants in response to plant pathogens. In this study, the level of key minerals was evaluated using ICP-MS in both susceptible and moderately resistant tomato cultivars in response to infection by BCTIV; based on a completely randomized design. Results showed that among five tested minerals including ion, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium, the level of potassium was higher in Super Chief, the moderately resistant cultivar, compared to that of Grosse Lisse, as the susceptible cultivar. In addition, the level of potassium accumulation in leaf tissues increased significantly (P