EFFECTS OF ASPERMY VIRUS INFECTION ON THE WATER STATUS OF TOMATO LEAVES.

The effect of aspermy virus infection the water status of tomato leaves was studied. Infected leaves had a higher relative water content than controls, the increase being related to inoculum concentration. This was shown to be caused by an inability to take up water rather than a truly higher water content. It is suggested that this may be the result of a reduction in the permeability of cell membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]