Reverse transcription-detection of immobilized, amplified product in a one-phase system (RT-DIAPOPS) for the detection of potato virus Y

An RT-DIAPOPS (reverse transcription-detection of immobilized, amplified pr oduct in a one-phase system) assay was developed for the detection of potat o virus Y (PVY). The sensitivity of the assay was 0.5 pg when virions were added directly to the RT reaction. The assay was capable of detecting all i solates investigated, representing several taxonomic groups of PVY. The RT- DIAPOPS offers an attractive alternative to RT-polymerase chain reaction (P CR) as it does not depend on gel electrophoresis to detect virus-specific P CR products. Finally, as amplicons are covalently attached to a solid phase , it minimizes the risk of contamination.