The effect of tobacco waste application on Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) concentration in the soil

The levels of Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) in a clay soil were monitored for more than two years after tobacco waste (TOW) application. It was incorporated to 15 cm soil depth at four different rates (0, 33, 67 and 100 ton ha(-1)) in three replicates. Surface soil samples were collected 8, 16, 23 and 30 months after TOW application. The DAS-ELISA method was used to determine the level of TMV in the soil. ELISA absorbance values of TMV were influenced by soil physical properties, plant growth and climatic conditions. The ELISA values were significantly correlated with relative saturation (0.596**), total porosity (-0.502**), organic carbon content (-0.475**) and soil pH (-0.349*). According to path analysis, soil pH showed the highest direct effect (59.7%) on the ELISA values. The highest indirect effects of soil pH and relative saturation on ELISA values were mediated by total soil porosity. Increasing total soil porosity, infiltration rate and mean monthly precipitation decreased the concentration of TMV in the clay soil. Growing lettuce and beans or the presence of host plants in the field increased TMV concentration.