Management of Phytoplasma Causing Little Leaf and Witches Broom Disease in Catharanthus roseus by Invitro Approaches

Phytoplasma-infected apical shoot tips excised and grew optimally in Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium supplemented with different concentration of tetracycline for 3 weeks and then transferred to antibiotic-free medium for five-six subsequent successive transfers. Before and after treatments the plants for phytoplasma infection were confirmed through nested Polymerase Chain Reaction and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Fresh shoots initiated were symptoms less. In vitro technique in combination of tetracycline @ 80 mg/l was found suitable for the removal of phytoplasma from infected plant material. About 60-65% of regenerated plants were non symptomatic without phytoplasma infection which was confirmed by Scanning electron microscopy and nested PCR. The fact is, infected plants cannot be able to produce their useful healthy products in sufficient quantity. The present study demonstrated that healthy plants can be produced from symptomatic plants by in vitro techniques with the amendment of optimum concentration of antibiotic.