Evaluation of cryotherapy and meristem isolation from stolons to eliminate viruses in Fragaria germplasm

Abstract

Viral infections pose significant threats to strawberry production. This study explored the efficacy of cryopreservation of shoot tips and meristem isolated from stolons to eradicate strawberry viruses, namely strawberry mottle virus (SMoV), strawberry mild yellow edge virus (SMYEV), strawberry crinkle virus (SCV), and strawberry vein banding virus (SVBV). The occurrence of viruses was verified by RT-PCR with specific primers. Results documented the elimination of SMoV and SCV but not of SMYEV and SVBV by cryotherapy and meristem isolation, showing that both methods can lead to the elimination, in a virus specific manner, of viruses in strawberry.