An investigation of the molecular biology and genetics of Witches' Broom disease of Protea cynaroides

An investigation was undertaken into the biology and genetics of Witches' Broom disease on Protea cynaroides. The investigation was approached in two ways: firstly, from a physiological and pathological angle and secondly at the genetic level. As very little is known about the causes of Witches' Broom disease on P. cynaroides, an attempt was made to identify a pathogen which could be held responsible for the disease. A number of plants were studied in the field and from these samples were taken and cultured on culture medium. Healthy P. cynaroides tissue was not established in tissue culture, while more success was obtained with teratoma tissue. Attempts were made to transmit the disease but these were unsuccessful. Four strains of Agrobacterium tumefaciens were unable to induce tumours on P. cynaroides seedlings. Sections of vascular tissue from teratoma and healthy tissue were viewed under the electron microscope but revealed no pathogen.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Molecular and Cell Biology

Year dc:date.issued

1987

Author dc:creator

• Dorrington, Rosemary Ann

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Woods, David R

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/7597

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/7597