Detection ofEpichloe typhinain Tall Fescue by Means of Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

Abstract

An antiserum, prepared to homogenates of washed E. typhina mycelium grown in a liquid medium, was used in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect antigens of the fungus in tall fescue (F. arundinacea) tissue samples. With ELISA we could detect as little as 100 ng of freeze-dried E. typhina mycelium/ml could be detected, as well as E. typhina in individual seeds of tall fescue. Of 14 fungal genera tested, including Acremonium, Claviceps, Helminthosporium, Pythium, Rhizoctonia and Sclerotium, all showed reactivities < 0.1% that of E. typhina.