Investigation of biotic and abiotic factors contributing to yield loss caused by Cotton leafroll dwarf virus

Abstract

Cotton leafroll dwarf virus (CLRDV) is an aphid transmitted virus that has been reported in cotton producing states across the southeastern United States, initially causing significant yield losses. Yield losses in recent years have not been widespread. Factors contributing to yield losses caused by CLRDV-infection remain unclear and symptomology is not well defined. This research aims to better understand the interactions between certain abiotic and biotic factors, CLRDV, and yield loss. Three studies were conducted to investigate the influence of plant age, nutrient deficiencies, and elevated temperatures on yield loss. Timing of infection only impacted yield in one of three years, but environmental conditions were different each year. Nutrient deficiencies and CLRDV infection caused a significant yield reduction in one year of a two-year study. Symptoms were variable, and the only symptom consistently associated with infected plants was stunted plant height. In the third study, cotton grown under high heat conditions that were infected with CLRDV showed a significant reduction in yield in both years of the study. Taken together, these results show yield loss only occurs under certain environmental conditions and may be exacerbated by plant age at infection and nutrient deficiencies.