Enhance potato resistance to Potato virus YNTN using curcumin nanoparticles Inhibitory Effects of Curcumin nanoparticles on Potato Plants Infected by Potato Virus Y

Nanoparticles (NPs) are considered the best way to manage plant viruses. Therefore, the aim of the study was to compare curcumin (Cur) and curcumin nanoparticles (CurNPs) as protective materials against the Potato virus YNTN (PVYNTN). Besides, changes in gene expression and defensive enzymes in the potato plants treated and untreated were determined. The average CurNPs size at optimum conditions was about 45 nm and the zeta potential was negative (-18.1) determined by Zeta seizer. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) imaging showed a smooth, spherical shape, and an almost homogenous nanoparticle structure. The fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum of CurNPs was recorded. In the FTIR spectrum of CurNPs, peaks were observed at 1631, 1464, 1157, and 1073 cm-1. The potato plants treated with 10 mg/ml CurNPs+V recorded the highest significant reduction in percentage of disease severity (98%). Besides, treatment with CurNPs increased the rates of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in the potatoes. On the other hand, SDS-PAGE showed clear variations in the content of the protein among potato plants treated with CurNPs or Cur and inoculated with PVYNTN, compared with the control. In addition, the plants sprayed with CurNPs or Cur pre-inoculation virus induced an increase or decrease in peroxidase (POX) activities. However, there were no substantial differences in activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) isozymes were recorded. Therefore, CurNPs could be used in potato breeding programs to control PVY.