EFFECT OF ALFALFA MOSAIC VIRUS (AMV) ON THE CONTENT OF SOME MACRO- AND MICRONUTRIENTS IN ALFALFA

Leaves showing mosaic virus symptoms were collected for analyses from alfalfa growing areas in the Isparta region. Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) was detected in the plant samples by using mechanical inoculation of test plants and serological tests. The macro- and microelements were assayed in the infected plant samples in order to determine the effects of AMV on the nutrient content of alfalfa. The quantity of P, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn decreased and N increased in the infected alfalfa leaves as compared to the healthy plant samples, while K did not change. The forage containing virus infected alfalfa could not be harmful for the domestic animals, and the nutritious value is even improved because of the increased protein contents.