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Virus Indexing of Callus Cultures of Chrysanthemum morifolium by Tissue Implantation and Mechanical Inoculation. J. Ben- Jaacov, Volcani Institute of Agricultural Research, Bet Dagan, Israel; R. K. Horst(2), C. M. Geissinger(3), A. W. Dimock(4), and R. W. Langhans(5). (2)(3)(4)(5)Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14850. Phytopathology 63:37-38. Accepted for publication 13 July 1972. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-63-37.

The successful use of plants derived from callus tissue cultures originating from meristem-tips for rapid propagation of chrysanthemums is dependent upon reliable indexing of the callus for freedom from virus diseases. Implantation of callus tissue into indicator cultivars of chrysanthemums by means of surgical cannulas has proved to be a rapid and efficient indexing technique for chrysanthemum stunt, chrysanthemum mosaic, and chrysanthemum chlorotic mottle. Mechanical inoculation of leaves of Nicotiana tabacum ‘Samsun’ with sap extracted from infected callus tissue has proved to be rapid and reliable for indexing for the chrysanthemum strain of tomato aspermy virus.