Antiserum to Recombinant Virus Coat Protein Detects Rupestris stem pitting associated virus in Grapevines

Area of Science:

• Plant Pathology
• Virology
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Rupestris stem pitting (RSP) is a significant grapevine virus disease.
• Rupestris stem pitting associated virus (RSPaV) is the suspected cause of RSP.
• Traditional diagnosis via biological indexing is time-consuming (2-3 years).

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a serological detection method for RSPaV.
• To produce a polyclonal antiserum against RSPaV coat protein.
• To evaluate the antiserum's efficacy in diagnosing RSP.

Main Methods:

• Production of a polyclonal antiserum to a recombinant RSPaV coat protein.
• Detection of RSPaV antigens using Western blot and indirect ELISA.
• Testing various grapevine genotypes and tissues, including biological indicators.

Main Results:

• The developed antiserum effectively detected RSPaV in different grapevine genotypes and tissues.
• Virus antigens were consistently found in cambium of dormant canes and active leaves.
• Vitis rupestris 'St. George' indicator plants tested positive for RSPaV.

Conclusions:

• Serological methods provide a rapid, cost-effective, and reliable alternative to biological indexing for RSPaV detection.
• These methods are suitable for high-throughput screening of grapevine samples.
• The developed antiserum facilitates quicker and more efficient diagnosis of RSP disease in grapevines.