Effect of Different Thermotherapy Conditions on Eradication of Potato Viruse M and Microclonal Propagation of Potato Varieties

Abstract

Potato seed production remains a problem in Georgia. Large farmers prefer imported elite seed, which is quite expensive, while small farmers use low-quality seed produced on their plots, which may be infected with viruses. To assure potato production and supply of high-healthy planting material effective ways of eliminating viral infection must be developed.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of thermotherapy with the combination of apical meristem culture on the four potato varieties “Picasso”, “Raya”, “Santé” and ‘Arizona” infected with Potato virus M (PVM) in Georgia.

Tree types of temperature: 33⁰C, 36⁰C, 39⁰C with combination of 2, 3 and 4 h exposure were used for thermotherapy on the four potato varieties “Picasso”, “Raya”, “Santé” and “Arizona” infected with Potato virus M. After 27 days Enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) were used to evaluate the virus infection rate.

The most effective result (100% virus eradication) was obtained by temperature- 36⁰C with 2h exposure during 27 days for potato varieties “Picasso” and “Raya”. Results show that on treatment 36⁰C/4h during 27 days was effective for potato varieties “Sante” and “Arizona”. Sprouts generated on 39⁰C with 4h exposure started to degrade due to heat. Based on the results virus free potato accessions were added collection of Biotechnology Center.