Effects of virus infection of faba bean on subsequent infection by Uromyces viciae-fabae

Prior infection of faba bean with bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV) and bean leaf roll virus decreased pustule density on leaves subsequently infected by Uromyces viciae-fabae. Changes were most marked on young leaves showing conspicuous symptoms of systemic virus infection and in plants virus-infected for at least 2-4 weeks. Pustule density progressively decreased when inoculations were made with uredospore generations successively produced on and inoculated to BYMV-infected leaves.
Uredospore germination and germ tube length were similar on virus-free and BYMV-infected leaves and on agar seeded with spores produced for one or several generations on BYMV-infected or virus-free plants. Formation of appressoria was slightly reduced on BYMV-infected leaves but changes in the post-penetration development of the rust probably accounted for much of the decreased pustule production encountered.