Optimisation of conditions for infection of isolated potato protoplasts with potato virus X.

Conditions for the reproducible infection of potato protoplasts with PVX were determined. Successful virus infection was achieved when potato protoplasts at a concentration of 3 X 10(5) cells/ml were incubated with 20 micrograms/ml PVX and 2 micrograms/ml Poly-L-ornithine (MW 100,000) for 15 minutes at 0 degrees C. Numbers of protoplasts infected varied between 30 and 50 per cent. Preincubation of PVX with PLO for a minimum of 10 minutes was essential for good infection. The type and molecular weight of polycation used had a major effect on virus infection. PLO at 100,000 MW was the most efficient.