Elimination of SCMV (Sugarcane Mozaik Virus) and Rapid Propagation of Virus-free Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) Using Somatic Embryogenesis

The use of apical buds and in-vitro shoot for elimination of SCMV and shoot proliferation in sugarcane was assessed. The purpose of this research was to determine the level of virus elimination and to obtain virus-free sugarcane. Research were using explants of apical buds and in vitro shoots of sugarcane PS-881 cultured on MS medium supplemented with antiviral acyclovir and ribavirin consisted of 0, 20 and 40 mg l -1 with incubation duration 4, 5 and 6 weeks. Elimination of virus-free plantlets was detected by DAS-ELISA and RT-PCR. The results showed that the detection of RT-PCR using apical explants treated with acyclovir 40 mg l -1 for 6 weeks was not effective to eliminate SCMV, while the use of in vitro shoot explants treated with 40 mg l -1 of acyclovir or 40 mg l -1 ribavirin eliminated the SCMV for about 100% resulting virus-free sugarcane plantlets. Sugarcane virus-free propagated through somatic embryogenesis on five different induction mediums. Callus induction and proliferation through somatic embryogenesis were obtained on MS nutrient medium with the addition of 3 mg l -1 2,4-D + 1.5 mg l -1 BAP. The result of regeneration produced ± 11 virus-free plantlets within 8 weeks.