Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Department of Horticultural Science and Landscape, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
2
Associate professor, Department of Horticulture and Landscape, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
3
Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
4
Department of Horticultural Science and Landscape, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tehran, Karaj, ,Iran
Abstract
Saffron (Crocus sativus L.), is one of the most valuable medicinal and spice plants globally, is significantly impacted by the Saffron latent virus (SaLV), a member of the Potyvirus genus (Potyviridae family). In Iran, SaLV infects over 70% of saffron plants in cultivation fields. Saffron is a rich source of apocarotenoids, including crocetin esters, picrocrocin, and safranal, which are crucial for its medicinal and culinary value This study evaluated two virus elimination methods- meristem culture (with meristem sizes of 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 mm) and thermotherapy (at 50 ℃ for 60 min; at 40 ℃ for 60 min; and 28 ℃ for 21 days) - as well as their combination. SaLV presence was assessed using ELISA, RT-PCR, and RT-qPCR. The highest percentage of SaLV-free plants was achieved with a 0.3 mmmeristem culture (83.73% and 81.30%) and thermotherapy at 50 ° C for 60 min (71.36% and 66.36%), based on ELISA and RT-PCR, respectively.. The combined treatment of 0.3 mm meristem culture and thermotherapy at 50 °C for 60 min resulted in 100% SaLV-free plants, as confirmed by all three detection methods. This study provides an effective strategy for developing virus-free saffron cultivars, supporting sustainable saffron production and propagation.
Keywords: ELISA, RT-PCR, RT-qPCR, Virus elimination, saffron latent virus
Keywords
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