Improved Methods for Infection of Plant Protoplasts with Viral Ribonucleic Acid

Abstract

Abstract Infection of tobacco protoplasts with RNA of tobacco mosaic virus and the bromoviruses has been studied. The quality of the RNA was very important. Ribonuclease activity was controlled by incorporating 5 mᴍ ZnCl 2 in the inoculum. Up to 60% infection has been observed with bromovirus RNA but infection with TMV RNA was much less efficient. A procedure for inoculating in 40% polyethylene glycol was developed. High levels of infection were obtained with all the viruses and viral RNA examined.