Micrografting: An Old Dog Plays New Tricks in Obligate Plant Pathogens.

Micrografting, which was developed almost 50 years ago, has long been used for virus eradication, micropropagation, regeneration, rejuvenation, and graft compatibility. Recently, micrografting has been used for studies of long-distance trafficking and signaling of molecules between scions and rootstocks. The graft transmissiveness of obligate plant pathogens, such as viruses, viroids, and phytoplasmas, facilitated the use of micrografting to study biological indexing and pathogen transmission, pathogen-induced graft incompatibility, and screening for the pathogen resistance during the past 20 years.

In Vitro Technologies for American Chestnut ( (Marshall) Borkh) Conservation.

American chestnut (), a native species of eastern North America, is an economically important deciduous hardwood tree that has been designated as endangered in Canada. The population of American chestnut trees has dwindled significantly across Southern Ontario due to chestnut blight and many of the surviving trees continue to show blight disease symptoms. American chestnut requires efficient strategies for propagation and preservation for species recovery.

Micropropagation and Cryopreservation of Yukon Draba (), a Special Concern Plant Species Endemic to Yukon Territory, Canada.

Yukon Draba () is a small, short-lived perennial mustard species that is endemic to southwestern Yukon in Canada. This plant has been categorized as a species of Special Concern. It faces the threat of habitat loss due to natural and man-made causes and a population that is unevenly distributed to a few large and several small subpopulations in the area.

Development, progress and future prospects in cryobiotechnology of spp.

is one of the most popular flower crops worldwide, and some species are also used as vegetables and medicines. The availability of and easy access to diverse genetic resources are essential for plant genetic improvements. Cryopreservation is currently considered as an ideal means for the long-term preservation of plant germplasm.

Drought Stress Enhances Up-Regulation of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3-Infected in vitro Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) Leaves.

Reddish-purple coloration on the leaf blades and downward rolling of leaf margins are typical symptoms of grapevine leafroll disease (GLD) in red-fruited grapevine cultivars. These typical symptoms are attributed to the expression of genes encoding enzymes for anthocyanins synthesis, and the accumulation of flavonoids in diseased leaves. Drought has been proven to accelerate development of GLD symptoms in virus-infected leaves of grapevine.

Responses of In vitro-Grown Plantlets (Vitis vinifera) to Grapevine leafroll-Associated Virus-3 and PEG-Induced Drought Stress.

Stresses caused by viral diseases and drought have long threatened sustainable production of grapevine. These two stresses frequently occur simultaneously in many of grapevine growing regions of the world. We studied responses of in vitro-grown plantlets (Vitis vinifera) to Grapevine leafroll associated virus-3 (GLRaV-3) and PEG-induced drought stress.

Potential applications of cryogenic technologies to plant genetic improvement and pathogen eradication.

Rapid increases in human populations provide a great challenge to ensure that adequate quantities of food are available. Sustainable development of agricultural production by breeding more productive cultivars and by increasing the productive potential of existing cultivars can help meet this demand. The present paper provides information on the potential uses of cryogenic techniques in ensuring food security, including: (1) long-term conservation of a diverse germplasm and successful establishment of cryo-banks; (2) maintenance of the regenerative ability of embryogenic tissues that are frequently the target for genetic transformation; (3) enhancement of genetic transformation and plant regeneration of transformed cells, and safe, long-term conservation for transgenic materials; (4) production and maintenance of viable protoplasts for transformation and somatic hybridization; and (5) efficient production of pathogen-free plants.