Elimination of Grapevine fanleaf virus from three Vitis vinifera cultivars by somatic embryogenesis

Indirect somatic embryogenesis was tested
as a method for eradication of Grapevine fanleaf virus
(GFLV) in three grapevine cultivars. Reverse transcriptase-
polymerase chain reaction for GFLV detection
was performed on tissues sampled at various
steps of the embryogenic process: flower explants,
embryogenic and non-embryogenic calli, single somatic
embryos and regenerated plants. The virus was
detected in all tested anthers and ovaries, while only
one sample out of 63 regenerated plantlets was
positive in the assay. Although GFLV was able to
invade embryogenic calli and embryo-derived plantlets,
in our experimental conditions GFLV eradication
was obtained by somatic embryogenesis alone,
without using heat therapy, with a success close to
100%. Assessment of the phytosanitary status of
regenerated plants confirmed that GFLV was not
detectable in the newly formed leaves 2 years after
their transfer to greenhouse conditions.