Physiological quality of peanut seed affected by tomato spotted wilt disease

Tomato spotted wilt disease (TSW) caused by tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) (genus Orthotospovirus) is a relevant disease in the peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) crop. The effects of TSW in the plant are well documented. However, its effect on the seed physiology is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the vigor and germination of peanut seeds from different genotypes with TSW symptoms. One cultivar and six germplasm lines related to A. ipaensis Krapov. & W.C. Gregory and A. duranensis Krapov. & W.C. Gregory in addition to two U.S. cultivars (resistant and susceptible checks) were evaluated. Seeds were separated into symptomatic and asymptomatic classes. The mass of 100 seeds varied from 31 to 72 g among the genotypes. Germination and vigor were assessed by using a thermal gradient table (12-32 degrees C). Seeds that did not germinate during the test on the table were transferred to an incubator at 25 degrees C for three additional days to quantify total germination. Seed vigor was high across all genotypes and symptomology classes. Total germination was reduced for seeds kept at low temperature (12-16 degrees C) in the thermal table, regardless of genotype or symptomology. Overall, TSW symptoms did not affect germination, vigor, and seed size negatively.