Evaluation of tiazofurin antiviral effect on tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) in field experiments

Abstract

Field experiments were carried out over 2 years to evaluate the inhibitory effect of tiazofurin (TR) against tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (TSWV) in tomato plants. The plants, mechanically inoculated with TSWV one week after transplantation, were sprayed with a 100 mg/litre TR solution. Two sprays, one applied immediately and the other 24 or 120 h after inoculation, were sufficient to control the virus. Productivity of inoculated, treated tomato plants, evaluated by total weight of fruits, was almost twice that of inoculated but untreated plants. TR antiviral effect was observed in both experiments and no phytotoxicity was detected. Although TR residual effect has not been evaluated to date, the drug demonstrated good inhibition effect of TSWV, suggesting the possible control of the virus under field conditions.