Elimination of Citrus variegation virus (CVV) by seed cryotherapy

Citrus variegation ilarvirus (CVV) is one of the oldest viruses reported in Citrus, which produces crinkling, puckering and variegation of leaves in field trees and, occasionally, variegated and deformed fruits. This virus is primarily transmitted by grafting. However, no consistent data are available concerning CVV seed transmission, which is apparently low. The elimination of CVV in citrus genotypes is carried out by shoot-tip-grafting. In the case of seed sources, virus elimination directly in the seeds becomes essential. In cryotherapy, plant pathogens such as viruses, phytoplasmas and bacteria are eradicated by exposing explants to liquid nitrogen. It allows treatment of a high number …