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Thermotherapy Response for HLVd-
***This is a Pre-Print***
The study below investigates a novel thermotherapy method to combat Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd) infections in Cannabis sativa through tissue culture techniques. HLVd, a highly transmissible pathogen, poses a significant threat to large-scale cannabis cultivation, often leading to reduced yield and compromised cannabinoid and terpene production. The researchers focused on five HLVd-positive type III cannabis varieties, assessing the efficacy of thermotherapy in reducing viroid levels using a newly developed RT-qPCR assay.
The study reveals varying degrees of success in clearing the viroid, with some varieties demonstrating significant reductions in HLVd levels, while others remained susceptible. The variety 'AnnaLee' was highlighted for its intermediate response and was further analyzed through transcriptomic sequencing. This analysis identified potential gene targets implicated in viroid infection and clearance, offering insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying HLVd pathology and plant defense responses.
The findings contribute to the understanding of HLVd management in cannabis cultivation, emphasizing the importance of routine testing and the potential of thermotherapy as a viable method for maintaining pathogen-free cultivation environments.
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