EFFECTS OF PATHOGENS ON PHYSIOLOGICAL PROCESSES IN SOME SOLANACEOUS VEGETABLE PLANTS

Rezumat

This study presents the effects of the pathogens Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary on Solanum lycopersicum L. and Alternaria solani (Ellis & Martin) Sorauer on Solanum melongena L., focusing on alterations to physiological processes. The attack produced by the pathogen reduced the photosynthesis rate in both species due to the appearance of chlorotic and necrotic zones and the loss of functional leaf area, while transpiration decreased as a result of changes in stomatal regulation, reduced functional leaf area, and disruptions to the plant's water balance. Leaves attacked by the pathogens exhibited lower water content and a corresponding increase in dry matter content, as well as reduced chlorophyll content. The results indicate that both pathogens negatively affected carbon assimilation, water relations, and chlorophyll content, with the physiological impact generally being more pronounced in
tomato plants attacked by Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary.