Detection of double-stranded RNA by immunoblot electrophoresis

A procedure is described which permits the serological detection of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) which has been electrophoretically transferred from agarose gels to Zeta-Probe blotting membranes. Cucumber mosaic virus replicative forms of RNAs 1-3 and cassava (Manihot esculenta) clone 'Secundina' dsRNAs can be routinely detected from 1 g of leaf tissue. This procedure allows for the detection and size estimation of dsRNAs in crude nucleic acid preparations.