Some Strains of Potato Virus X and Their Spontaneous Mutation

Abstract

One virulent and three avirulent potato virus X strains were characterized qualitatively and quantitatively by the reactions of Gomphrena globosa and Capsicum frutescens. Spontaneous virulent mutants arose from time to time in the avirulent strains cultured in Datura stramonium. Avirulent strains developing low virus concentrations in their host plant had higher mutation rates than one developing a higher concentration in the host.