Plum pox virus (PPV), the agent responsible for sharka disease, is the most important viral pathogen of stone fruit trees. The fruits of these fruit species are widely used in the processing industry, thus being economically very attractive. This viral disease significantly reduces the vitality of the fruit trees and the quantity and quality of fruits. The present review describes recent methods used for the identification and characterization of economically important Plum pox virus. Understanding the diversity of plant viruses is an essential step to design efficient management strategies to eliminate economical losses.
The main focus of the study was to investigate the changes in protein content due to radiation mutagenesis by comparing the protein profile of amaranth mutant lines with that of untreated controls. We have found several promising lines with high coefficients of nutrition quality. Considering overall nutrition values, the line C82/1 is the most promising genotype, which could be possibly used in a future breeding programme. The protein composition of amaranth seeds can be changed and their nutrition values significantly influenced through radiation mutagenesis.
