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The elimination of viruses from Narcissus tazetta cv. Grand Soleil d'Or, and rapid multiplication of virus‐free clones
Author(s) -
STONE OLWEN M.
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
annals of applied biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 80
eISSN - 1744-7348
pISSN - 0003-4746
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-7348.1973.tb01308.x
Subject(s) - narcissus , biology , multiplication (music) , botany , amaryllidaceae , virology , physics , acoustics
SUMMARY Arabis mosaic virus and narcissus degeneration virus were eliminated from Narcissus tazetta L. cv. Grand Soleil d'Or by meristem‐tip culture. Cultures grew equally well in two liquid nutrient media, but tubes 25times75 mm size and temperature c. 12 o C were optimal for growth and survival. Virus‐free bulbs grew more vigorously than infected bulbs, and gave more and larger flowers with a better colour. To increase the normal multiplication rate, either sector cuts were made in the basal plate, or bulbs were divided into chips (c. 1 g), before planting. Multiplication was greater by chip‐cutting. Five virus‐free bulbs were propagated to over 2000 in 8 years; theoretically, 2 bulbs should be produced in a further 5–6 years, sufficient to replant the Isles of Scilly with virus‐free stock.