In virus-infected plants, the meristematic tissues in both apical and axillary buds are free of viruses because

Even if the plant is infected with a virus, the meristem (apical and axillary) is free of virus. Hence, one can remove the meristem and grow it in vitro to obtain virus-free plants. This method is the best application for recovery of healthy plants from diseased plants. Auxins which are very rich in shoot apical meristem have antiauxin property.