ELIMINATION OF APPLE MOSAIC VIRUS BY TISSUE CULTURE OF SOME INFECTED APPLE CULTIVARS

Abstract

Apple mosaic virus (ApMV) produces variable symptoms on infected apple both in the nursery and in orchard. Severe strains of the virus can induce severe necrosis and reduce the production of fruit buds by 20-40%. Obtaining ApMV-free plants in apple was tested by using meristem culture. The research was conducted on three virus infected: ‘Golden Delicious’, ‘Golden Spur’ and ‘Lord Lambourne’. Identification of the virus was done by DAS-ELISA serological test and bioassay Cucumis sativus plant, which produced chlorotic lesions on cotyledons. Infected biological material was inoculated on QL culture media with the growth regulators 0.01 mg/L IBA and 0.3 mg/L GA3. Explants had two dimensions: 0.3 mm and 1.0 mm. Multiplication phase was achieved on MS culture medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/L BAP and 0.5 mg/L ANA. Rooting was conducted on MS medium with two growth regulators 2 mg/L IBA and 0,5 mg/L GA3. After rooting of the plants from root meristems of 0.3 mm, diagnosed viral testing was positive for 58% of ‘Golden Delicious’ variety, 52% for the variety ‘Lord Lambourne’ and 50% for the variety ‘Golden Spur’. Plants derived from meristems of 1 mm in size were diagnosed infected at a rate of 83% in ‘Golden Delicious’ variety, 80% in ‘Lord Lambourne’ and 77% for the ‘Golden Spur’ variety.