Using Bromelain Application to Inhibit the Spread of the Tobacco Mosaic Virus and Promote Tissue Regeneration in Red Bell Pepper Plants

Abstract

Plant viruses are a prevalent issue as they pose detrimental effects on agriculture, the food economy, and numerous individuals worldwide. One major effect of these viruses is tissue necrosis (breakdown of tissue), which plays a significant role in the decrease of crop yields. This study focused on the Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV), which infects over 350 plant species, causes necrotic symptoms, and exhibits a high transmission rate. Presently, various pesticides are in use that cause health issues in humans and are ineffective as some plants exhibit resistance. Moreover, this research aims to inhibit the spread of TMV in red bell pepper plants and promote tissue regeneration using an enzymatic approach since some enzymes have defense capabilities. A protease derived from pineapple, bromelain, was implemented due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Bromelain was introduced to the plants as a pre-treatment before infection of TMV to analyze potential antiviral effects. Additionally, bromelain appeared to have correlations with a defensive enzyme located within plants known as phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), which initiates the production of secondary metabolites. Using ImageJ software, the amount of plant tissue damage was highlighted and calculated, and a PAL assay was later conducted in conjunction with UV-Vis Spectroscopy to determine the level of PAL within the infected plants. Based on the experimental results, higher concentrations of bromelain contributed to lower levels of PAL, while lower concentrations of bromelain contributed to higher levels of PAL, indicating that higher treatment concentrations produced more antiviral activity.