Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Production of Phytoplasma-Free Hibiscus Plantlets
Samah A. Mokbel
Department of Virus and Phytoplasma Research, Plant Pathology Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center., Egypt. Dr.SamahMokbel@gmail.com
ABSTRACT:
Controlling phytoplasma-causing disease through combination of tissue culture technique and radiation treatment represented a short method for high level management. To investigate the effect of gamma rays to produce healthy plantlets, the hibiscus witches' broom phytoplasma was transmitted by grafting into healthy hibiscus plants, the in vitro-infected hibiscus explants were exposed to gamma radiation at different doses - 5 gray (Gy), 10Gy, 15Gy, 20Gy and 25 Gy- emitted from cobalt 60 (60Co) for 30 minute. All applied doses resulted in phytoplasma-free hibiscus plantlets with different survival activity. The presence of phytoplasma 16Sr DNA was examined using PCR detection before and after treatments. The different treatments of radiation resulted in different survival rates and phytotoxic effects including leaf yellowing and lack of growth. The 5Gy dose was proved to be best effective dose for controlling the phytoplasma without affecting the in vitro growth and survival rate, while the higher doses leaded to strongly reducing the survived hibiscus explants with increasing the inability to re-shoot.
Keywords: Hibiscus, phytoplasma, gamma irradiation, in vitro, PCR, graft transmission, tissue culture.
How to cite this article:
Mokbel, A.S. and El-Attar, A.K. (2014). Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Production of Phytoplasma-Free Hibiscus Plantlets. Egyptian J. of Virology, 11(2): 35-45.
