SEROLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF WHEAT STREAK MOSAIC-VIRUS ISOLATES

Wheat streak mosaic (WSM) is a destructive disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) caused by wheat streak mosaic rymovirus (WSMV). Serologic al assays are commonly used to detect WSMV using polyclonal antibodies (PAbs) or monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). Wheat suspected to be infecte d with WSMV did not react with MAbs made to the Oklahoma State Univers ity (OSU) isolate of WSMV, but did react to PAbs made to the OSU isola te. The differences among six additional isolates of WSMV were determi ned using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot, pro tein fingerprinting, and serological specific electron microscopy. Res ults indicate the existence of serologically distinct strains of WSMV. This finding is important in detecting WSMV, in breeding for resistan ce to WSM, and in investigating the epidemiology of WSM.