Virus-Free Shoots from Cassava Stem Cuttings Infected with Cassava Latent Virus. R. P. Pacumbaba, Former Plant Pathologist, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture/Zaire Programme National Manioc, Republique du Zaire. Plant Dis. 69:231-232. Accepted for publication 9 September 1984. Copyright 1985 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-69-231.

Cassava stem cuttings infected with cassava latent virus (CLV) gave rise to shoots that showed CLV symptoms at emergence, shoots that showed CLV symptoms 3–5 wk later, and shoots that remained symptomless after 6 wk of observation. CLV symptoms appeared 5–11 days earlier when symptomless shoots were detopped than when they were left intact. Symptomless shoots severed 2 wk after emergence from CLV-infected stem cuttings and subsequently detopped did not develop CLV symptoms. These plants, however, readily developed symptoms of CLV when colonized with CLV-laden Bemisia tabaci. Therefore, symptomless shoots were considered free of CLV and could be used as healthy planting stock.

Keyword(s): Manihot esculenta.