Daffodil Color Break Linked to Narcissus Mosaic Virus
Author Information
Author(s): Hunter Donald A, Fletcher John D, Davies Kevin M, Zhang Huaibi
Primary Institution: The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited
Hypothesis
Is viral infection linked to the carotenoid-based colour break in reverse bicolour daffodils?
Conclusion
The study found that Narcissus mosaic virus is associated with the carotenoid-based colour break in reverse bicolour daffodils.
Supporting Evidence
- High viral counts were found in the tepals of colour-broken daffodils.
- Red necrotic lesions were observed in indicator plants inoculated with sap from colour-broken flowers.
- Viral RNA was amplified from colour-broken but not non-colour-broken tepals.
Takeaway
Some daffodils change color as they grow, and this study found that a specific virus is likely causing that change.
Methodology
The study used enzyme-linked immunoassays, transmission electron microscopy, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction to analyze viral presence.
Limitations
The study could not demonstrate causality between the virus and color break due to the complexity of viral interactions.
Participant Demographics
Daffodil flowers from three geographic locations in New Zealand.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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