Combining Chemical Treatment with Shoot Tip Culture for Plant Virus Eradication in Fruit Trees

Antiviral chemical compounds effectively eradicate viruses and viroids across diverse plant genera. Virus elimination via chemotherapy is typically combined with shoot tip culture, with efficacy depending on antiviral type and concentration, treatment duration, target virus, and host species. Here, we detail a protocol using ribavirin to eliminate viruses from apple and grapevine, covering preparation of antiviral media, in vitro culture, chemical treatment, shoot tip culture, and iterative virus detection throughout the process. Methods for rooting virus-free plantlets and their transplantation to soil are also provided.