Effect of Antiviral Compounds on the Regeneration of Potato Meristems

The aim of this research was to determine the phytotoxic effect of chemotherapeutic products over meristematic explants from two potato Romanian varieties: Marvis and Castrum. Potato meristems were cultured on nutritive medium containing four virocid chemicals: ribavirin, 5-bromouracil, 2-thiouracil and acyclovir in three concentrations (0, 15, 30 mg/l). Meristems development varied for tested antiviral agents and was decreased with increasing in concentration of antiviral products (from 0 to 30 mg/l). Antiviral products with high concentration (30 mg/l) had a negative effect on regeneration. By using 5-bromouracil the highest regeneration rate was observed (for 15 mg/l and 30 mg/l), compared to the other antiviral substances, with the same concentrations. Another chemotherapeutic 2-thiouracil exhibited phytotoxicity and reduced meristems regeneration. The lowest percentage of regeneration was registered by using of 15 mg/l 2-thiouracil compared to the other antivirals, at the same concentration. Percent of meristems regeneration was very low for ribavirin and 2-thiouracil at 30 mg/l concentrations (40%). For Castrum variety 5-bromouracil is distinguished by obtaining a very significant positive difference (19.17% regenerated meristems), but the virocid 2-thiouracil is at the opposite pole, inhibiting the regeneration of explants, with a very significant negative difference (-14.17% developed explants).