Eliminating viruses
Virus content in the meristem is usually low.
Their elimination (also called ‘cleanup’) is achieved through apical
meristem culture coupled with thermotherapy and or chemotherapy.
Infected plant is first grown for several weeks at 36oC and
then meristem tip is excised. Use of antiviral chemicals like Virazole alongwith meristem tip culture
also helps in the elimination of some difficult to eliminate viruses.
Back