Abstract

Production of garlic in Serbia is heavily affected by garlic diseases caused by viruses, among which economically most important is Onion Yellow Dwarf Virus (OYDV). An influence of infection of garlic with OYDV on yield components was evaluated. Using DAS ELISA test, OYDV was identified in 30.5% samples. Viral infection significantly reduced parameters of yield quantity and quality. Infected plants decreased height, mass and height of individual bulbs clove mass, as well as, content and yield of dry matter. Reduction of average bulb mass was 21.5% whereas, dry matter yield was 24.0% lower than in healthy plants. Pathogen did not influence number of leaves, number of outer membranous leaves and number of cloves. A positive correlation between visually rated disease intensity and results of DAS Elisa test was detected.

Key words: Onion yellow dwarf virus (OYDV), garlic, yield components.