VIEW ARTICLE

Effect of Seed Size and Condition on Transmission of Pea Seed-borne Mosaic Virus. W. R. Stevenson, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706; D. J. Hagedorn, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706. Phytopathology 60:1148-1149. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-60-1148.

A technique to demonstrate seed transmission of the pea seed-borne mosaic virus (PSbMV) is described. There was no significant difference in percentage seed transmission of the virus between seeds sized in the range 12/64 through 19/64. There was a highly significant difference between seed transmission of the virus by seeds with seed coats showing growth cracks and seeds with intact seed coats. The former transmitted at a 33% rate; the latter, 4%. Presence of the virus did not reduce seed germinability.