AN EVALUATION OF A VIROBACTERIAL AGGLUTINATION-TEST FOR THE DETECTION OF PLANT-VIRUSES

Agglutination of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria particles, conjugated with specific virus antibodies, has been used to identify a wide range of plant viruses in crude sap extracts. The test distinguishes between seven different potyviruses in homologous and heterologous reactions, but does not distinguish different strains of bean yellow mosaic virus. The sensitivity of the virobacterial agglutination (VBA) test compares favourably with virus detection in ISEM particle trapping and local lesion assay and is only slightly less sensitive than direct ELISA tests. The test is more sensitive and simpler to user than latex particle agglutination tests.