Metagenomic Analysis of Plant Virus Occurrence in Common Bean () in Central Kenya.

Two closely related potyviruses, bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) and bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMNV), are regarded as major constraints on production of common bean ( L.) in Eastern and Central Africa, where this crop provides a high proportion of dietary protein as well as other nutritional, agronomic, and economic benefits. Previous studies using antibody-based assays and indicator plants indicated that BCMV and BCMNV are both prevalent in bean fields in the region but these approaches cannot distinguish between these potyviruses or detect other viruses that may threaten the crop.

Extraction of DNA from yam (Dioscorea) leaves.

This protocol describes how to extract DNA from the leaves of true yams (Dioscorea) for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and other analyses.

Producing yam (Dioscorea) seeds through controlled crosses.

This protocol describes how to produce yam (Dioscorea) seeds through controlled pollination of flowers on female plants. Pollination by flower thrips takes place naturally in normal yam-growing environments in the presence of flowering male and female genotypes, although it is not efficient. This protocol leads to the production of hybrid seeds of known parentage for genetic studies and use in breeding programs.

Post-flask management of yam (Dioscorea) plantlets.

This protocol describes how to harden or acclimatize tissue culture-derived yam (Dioscorea) plantlets before transplanting them in the soil. Briefly, the plantlets are first put in pots with a vermiculite and peat moss mixture, and the pots are placed in a humidity chamber, where they are sprayed and watered daily. After 2 wk, the plants are transplanted to pots or plastic bags with ordinary or sterile soil and watered daily.

Culturing meristematic tissue and node cuttings from yams (Dioscorea).

This protocol describes how to produce whole yam (Dioscorea) plantlets in vitro through yam meristem culture and from yam node cuttings.