Biological Decline of Solanum nigrum L. Due to Tobacco mosaic tobamovirus (TMV) Infection. II. Germination, Seed Transmission, Seed Viability and Seed Production

In the second part of our study we have examined the effect of Tobacco mosaic tobamovirus (TMV) infection on the germination, seed trans­mission, seed viability and seed production of S. nigrum. Transmission of TMV by seeds of S. nigrum was 0.3%. Average seed production of the virus infected plants was reduced by 52%, as compared to the healthy control, and TMV infection also delayed generative development. Virus infection did not influence the germination of the seeds. Viability of seeds derived from ripened (blue-black) berries, was significantly reduced by TMV infection.