THE USE OF A SEQUENTIAL BATCH TESTING PROCEDURE AND ELISA TO DETERMINE THE INCIDENCE OF 5 VIRUSES IN VICTORIAN CUT-FLOWER SIM CARNATIONS

A sequential batch testing procedure was used in conjunction with ELIS A to estimate levels of virus incidence in Victorian cut-flower 'Sim' carnations. The industry was surveyed for five viruses, namely; carnat ion mottle virus (CarMV), carnation etched ring virus (CERV), carnatio n vein mottle virus (CarVMV), carnation latent virus (CarLV) and carna tion ringspot virus (CarRSV). CarMV was the most prevalent virus (9.9% ), and lower levels of CERV (0.2%), CarVMV (0.1%) and CarLV (0.1%) wer e detected. CarRSV was not detected in any of the samples tested. Leve ls of CarMV were lower than in a previous survey in 1985, suggesting t hat the Plant Improvement Program which has been in operation in Victo ria has been instrumental in reducing the incidence of this virus. Gro wers who purchased cuttings from specialist propagators had lower leve ls of virus than propagators who implemented little or no quality cont rol. Growers who introduced pathogen-tested cuttings at regular interv als also had lower levels of virus infection.