PRODUCTION OF VIRUS-FREE APRICOT MOTHER PLANTS IN EGYPT

Lack of plum pox virus (PPV)-like symptoms on leaves, fruits and trunks were the main parameters of choosing the mother trees as well as the following parameters: (1) Yield (Kg / tree), (2) Fruit volume, weight, color, and seed (free seed or cling) and TSS content (3) CSA, (4) Age (not less than 7 years), (5) Healthy appearance (free of viral and fungal symptoms, insect infestation and nutrient deficiency). Chosen mother trees were marked and a map was drawn for the tree site in the location.
Four leaf samples were collected, from 4 different sides / tree.
Virus detection was done by using the DAS-ELISA technique.
Polyclonal antibodies of viruses (PPV, PDV, PNRSV, PRMV, AMV and TRSV) were used.

Several sites for apricot orchards were visited, Fifteen in Fayoum, seven in Qualubia and one in both Giza and Beheira.
Sixteen trees out of the 35 in Fayoum, were virus-free.
Fourteen trees out of 15 were virus-free in Qualubia.
Thirty one trees, representing 7 clones, were healthy in Giza (ARC, Oiza, Res.
Station). Sixteen out of 16 trees were healthy in Beheira (Nobaria). Bud woods from virus-free mother trees are grafted on one year-old seedlings for the repository.
Grafted seedlings were kept in a computer-controlled greenhouse.
Periodical virus detection on the mother trees as well as on the grafted seedlings is done by using bio- and serological assay.
The virus elimination technique is also applied by thermotherapy to ensure that the products are virus-free.

XI International Symposium on Apricot Culture

A.E. Aboul-Ata, Maisa A. Awad, Lila M. Ibrahim, M. Zeidan, H.M. Mazyad, N.S. Gergis

Virus-free mother trees, apricot, Virus detection, PPV

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1999.488.126