The carnation (Dianthus sp.) from the family Caryophyllaceae is one of the most important ornamental plants on the world market. In Slovenia, both the Gorenjski carnation and the less well-known “švicarski” carnation are cultivated. Morphologically we can distinguish them from each other, but not much is known at the genetic level. Therefore, we genotyped 36 sample plants with microsatellite markers. Based on the data obtained, we were able to confirm the differences between the carnations at the genetic level. Carnation is infected with many viruses. Some of them are Carnation Mottle, Vein Mottle Virus, Etched Ring Virus, Ringspot Virus, Italian Ringspot Virus and Carnation Latent Virus. To remove the viruses, we isolated meristems from carnation plants and grew them in tissue culture. For meristem regeneration, we used MS medium with vitamins supplemented with BAP (0,5 mg/l). The developing meristems were subcultured and later acclimatised. Detection and identification of viruses was done by amplification of viral cDNA from sample plants and regenerated meristems. The results confirm the presence of viruses in plant material, in sample plants and in plants produced by meristem regeneration. Carnation mottle virus and carnation vein mottle virus were confirmed by sequencing. The results suggest that we need to optimise the method of developing healthy plant material from meristems by using thermotherapy or chemotherapy.
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