A tissue culture method for the preservation of Soybean mosaic virus strains

The activity and longevity of Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) in soybean callus culture were investigated with 11 SMV strains which are distinguished by differential reactions on soybean cultivars Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Dual cultures (soybean callus and SMV) were initiated by direct culture of SMV-infected leaves from susceptible soybean plants on Msoy and MS agar medium. Established SMV-callus cultures were maintained at 25 °C under light, subcultured to fresh MS medium at 2-month intervals or as necessary, and assayed periodically for virus infectivity. The infected calluses on MS medium grew better and stayed active longer than those on Msoy medium. At 10–15 °C, calluses and SMV were viable and active for 13–15 weeks or longer without subculture. The infectivity of SMV from callus cultures was comparable with that of SMV from infected plants, and remained stable for more than a year through five successive subcultures. Callus tissues of dual cultures were uniformly infected by SMV, thus ensuring infectious subcultures by random transfers. Production of in vitro inoculum can be significantly increased by multiple subcultures. Biological integrity of the SMV cultures was maintained with no change of viral virulence and pathotype. The method is of value for preserving a collection of SMV strains in a highly infectious and readily available form and reduces the chance of contamination or loss in viability.