Elimination of SPFMV from Virus-infected Sweet Potato Plants through Apical Meristem Culture

Sweet potato infected with a viral disease (SPFMV) showed irregular chlorotic patterns, so called feathering associated with faint or distinct ring spots that have purple-pigmented borders. SPFMV was eliminated from sweet potato plants using meristem tip culture. MS medium supplemented with BAP (2mg/L) and NAA (0.05 mg/L) was used for shoot proliferation and 1/2 MS medium for rooting of the plants. Highest percentage of regenerated plants (60%) was obtained from the optimum size (0.3-0.5mm) meristem tips. Of these, 60% plants were found negative for SPFMV by RT-PCR. Virus detection by RT-PCR was found to be a reliable method. Meristem-tip culture to produce SPFMV-free quality sweet potato and virus detection by RT-PCR is an efficient, time saving and reliable method for production of SPFMV-free tissue culture raised plants.