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Antiviral and Antiviroid Activity of MAP-Containing Extracts from Mirabilis jalapa Roots

Jorge M Vivanco1, Maddalena Querci2, Luis F Salazar3

  • 1The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Plant Pathology and Biotechnology Institute, University Park 16802.

Plant Disease
|March 8, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Mirabilis jalapa root extracts, containing Mirabilis antiviral protein (MAP), effectively prevent potato virus and viroid infections. This natural antiviral agent shows significant promise for crop protection against specific plant pathogens.

Area of Science:

  • Plant Pathology
  • Biochemistry
  • Agricultural Science

Background:

  • Plant viruses and viroids pose significant threats to potato crop yields worldwide.
  • Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are known for their biological activities, including antiviral properties.
  • Mirabilis jalapa contains a specific RIP, Mirabilis antiviral protein (MAP), with potential applications in plant protection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of Mirabilis jalapa root extracts and purified Mirabilis antiviral protein (MAP) against key potato pathogens.
  • To determine the spectrum of antiviral activity of MAP against different types of potato viruses and viroids.
  • To assess the potential of MAP as a natural antiviral agent for crop protection.

Main Methods:

  • Preparation and application of Mirabilis jalapa root extracts to test plants.
  • Inoculation of plants with Potato Virus X, Potato Virus Y, Potato Leaf Roll Virus, and Potato Spindle Tuber Viroid.
  • Assessment of antiviral activity using infectivity assays and nucleic acid spot hybridization tests.
  • Testing of purified Mirabilis antiviral protein (MAP) for antiviral effects.

Main Results:

  • M. jalapa root extracts significantly inhibited infection by Potato Virus X, Potato Virus Y, Potato Leaf Roll Virus, and Potato Spindle Tuber Viroid by nearly 100% when applied 24 hours prior to inoculation.
  • Antiviral activity was confirmed by infectivity assays and nucleic acid spot hybridization.
  • MAP demonstrated antiviral effects against mechanically transmitted viruses but not against aphid-transmitted viruses.
  • Purified MAP exhibited comparable antiviral efficacy to crude M. jalapa root extracts.

Conclusions:

  • Mirabilis jalapa root extracts containing MAP are highly effective in preventing infection by several economically important potato viruses and viroids.
  • MAP represents a promising natural antiviral agent for controlling specific plant pathogens in agriculture.
  • Further research into MAP's mechanism of action and application methods could lead to sustainable crop protection strategies.

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