Detection and Distribution of Sweetpotato Feathery Mottle Virus in Sweetpotato by In Vitro-Transcribed RNA Probes (Riboprobes), Membrane Immunobinding Assay, and Direct Blotting

Abstract

An in vitro-transcribed RNA probe (riboprobe) system was developed to detect sweetpotato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV) in infected plants. The essential components of the system include selection of an SPFMV cDNA clone that reacts with all known strains of SPFMV, optimization of assay procedures, and modified hybridization conditions. Additionally, a direct blotting technique on nitrocellulose membrane was developed to detect SPFMV by either riboprobe or membrane immunobinding assay (MIBA). The riboprobe system provided greater sensitivity of detection of virus in symptomless tissues than MIBA (...)