Strategy for Detecting Low Levels of Potato Viruses X and S in Crops and Its Application to the Victorian Certified Seed Potato Scheme

Abstract

A strategy for detecting low levels of virus infection is described. It was evaluated by studying the incidence of potato virus X (PVX) and potato virus S (PVS) in the Victorian Certified Seed Potato Scheme, using pooled samples and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In 57,000 plants examined for both PVS and PVX, incidence for both viruses averaged 0.13%. ELISA was able to detect 1 infected plant in 1000.