Reinfection by Viruses and Growth of Virus-Free Chinese Artichoke

Abstract

Three lines of Chinese artichoke free of Chinese artichoke mosaic virus and a fabavirus were grown in Yuzawa, Akita Prefecture, Japan. These virus-free plants were readily reinfected by aphids from the surrounding diseased Chinese artichoke, and the reinfection rate reached 100% before harvest. Nevertheless the three lines showed vigorous growth of roots, stems and leaves, resulting in increased yield. The highest yielding line, which had a 2.5-fold higher yield than the virus-infected control plants, was selected as stock. Cultivation of the virus-free plants in a pipehouse entirely covered with an aphid-proof net repressed the reinfection.