Transmission of Viroids via Grape Seeds

The transmission of grapevine yellow speckle viroid 1 and hop stunt viroid via seeds was confirmed in 11 seedlings of eight grapevine (Vitis vinifera) varieties using a combination of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, dot-blot hybridization and Northern hybridization assays. The viroid profiles found in nine seedlings indicate a differential transmission of viroids via seeds similar to the differential reduction of viroids observed in vines regenerated after shoot apical meristem culture.