Rapid Detection of Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus in Squashes of Plants and Insect Vectors

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
DNA sequences of tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), a gemini-virus, were detected specifically and sensitively by hydridization of infected plant tissues squashed onto a nylon membrane (squash blot) with a specific DNA probe. No treatment of the sample was necessary before squashing and hybridization. TRYLCV DNA could be detected in squash blots of tomato leaves, roots, stems, flowers, and fruits. Viral sequences also were detected in single whiteflies that fed on infected plants. Squash blots were used to detect tobacco mosaic virus and potato virus Y, two RNA viruses, in infected tobacco plants. The squash-blot method was applied for screening TYLCV infection in the field in Israel and for diagnosing TYLCV in Turkey.