E. Jámbor-Benczúr

A new method for the detection and elimination of Hydrangea ringspot virus

Summary The complete eradication of Hydrangea ringspot virus (HRSV) from Hydrangea by in vitro pre-treatment with ribavirin and meristem tip culture is reported. A sensitive RT-PCR method for the detection of HRSV in newly-formed regenerants was developed. Total nucleic acid extracts from HRSV-infected Hydrangea leaves diluted 105-fold gave a positive reaction using this method.

Improving the in vitro rooting of micro-shoots of Sorbus rotundifolia ‘Bükk szépe’ by the sequential application of Humus® FW and Wuxal® Super organic and chemical fertilisers

Summary The aim of the present work was to enhance the in vitro rooting ability of an endemic species of sorb (Sorbus rotundifolia ‘Bükk szépe’), which is important as an ornamental tree species. The effects of Humus® FW applied to the root induction medium, and Wuxal® Super applied to the root elongation medium, on the rooting characteristics of microshoots were studied. Humus® FW is an organic fertiliser (Humin Project Ltd., Budapest, Hungary) containing mainly biologically-active, natural humic acids (including fulvic acid), while Wuxal® Super (WuxImpex Ltd., Budapest, Hungary) is a chemical fertiliser containing macro- and micro-elements (N, P, K, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mb, and Zn). Applying 1.5 ml l–1 Humus® FW during the root induction phase, then 1.0 ml l–1 Wuxal® Super during the root elongation phase, significantly improved in vitro rooting. The rooting percentage almost doubled (from 55% to 94%), and the mean number of roots per shoot increased three-fold (from 3.1 to 9.3). In vitro rooted shoots were successfully acclimatised (94%) in a glasshouse.

The effect of bion® (Benzothiadiazole) on multiplication and rooting of Hosta cultivars

The effect of Bion (benzothiadiazole) was studied on micropropagation of two Hosta cultivars: Dew Drop and Gold Drop. Bion is known as elicitor of Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR). In earlier experiments with in vitro culture of apple, rooting side-effect of Bion was found. The Bion caused a growth regulator-like effect during micropropagation of both Hosta cultivars. The 50 mg/L Bion caused slight raising in the propagation ratio. In the case of root differentiation the effect was significant to the control and it was observed between the cultivars as well.