Pathogen Indexing in Large-Scale Propagation of Florist Crops

Abstract

Plant disease can spread rapidly in vegetatively propagated florist crops simply due to the nature of the propagation process. Hence, it is important to utilize culture and also virus and viroid indexing systems when producing the stock plants. Culture indexing generally signifies the use of liquid culture media for the isolation of systemic bacteria and fungi. Virus-viroid indexing is accomplished using indicator cultivars, herbaceous hosts and serologic techniques. Pathologically certified stock is evaluated for horticultural qualities and the most acceptable material is used for cutting production.