Comparison of ELISA and RT-PCR for the detection of Prunus necrotic ring spot virus and prune dwarf virus in almond (Prunus dulcis)
Mekuria, G.; Ramesh, S.A.; Alberts, E.; Bertozzi, T.; Wirthensohn, M.; Collins, G.; Sedgley, M.
Journal of Virological Methods 114(1): 65-69
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0166-0934
PMID: 14599680
DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2003.08.014
Accession: 004081499
A technique based on the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has been developed to detect the presence of Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV) and prune dwarf virus (PDV) simultaneously in almond. This paper presents the results of a 3-year study comparing both enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and RT-PCR for the detection of PNRSV and PDV using 175 almond leaf samples. Multiplex RT-PCR was found to be more sensitive than ELISA, especially when followed by nested PCR for the detection of PDV. The RT-PCR technique has the added advantage that plant material can be tested at any time throughout the growing season.