Effect of Plant Oligoadenylates on Viral Infection and Antistress and Growth-Regulating Properties in Potato Plants Grown in vitro

Biological properties of plant oligoadenylates (POA) were studied in in vitro grown potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) plants. POA were synthesized by ATP polymerization in the presence of an enzyme preparation isolated from leaves of wild potato Solanum chacoense Bitt. treated with resistance inducers. The concentration of viral antigen was determined by the method of immunoenzyme analysis. In the course of virus elimination by the apical meristem method, pretreatment of potato tuber sprouts with POA increased the survival rate of meristem explants and, in several cultivars, enhanced morphogenesis and increased the yield of virus-free regenerants. Prolonged application of POA in the nutrient medium for microcutting of potato tube plants infected in vitro with X-, S-, and M-viruses increased their height due to internode lengthening. The effect of this treatment on virus reproduction was ambiguous: various combinations of virus species, the duration of growth on POA-containing media, and POA concentration resulted in either statistically significant inhibition or a significant enhancement of virus reproduction. Possible mechanisms of the antistress effect of POA, in connection with their effect on virus reproduction, are discussed.