Modified protocol of ELISA for rapid detection of coconut root (wilt) disease
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Date
2010
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Abstract
Root (wilt) disease of coconut is a phytoplasmal malady causing heavy economic loss to the coconut farmers in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The disease is generally recognized based on foliar symptoms. But the development of foliar symptoms in coconut palms is very slow and there is a time lag between infection and symptom expression. To identify such latent infected palms, Direct Antigen Coated (DAC) indirect ELISA had been standardized earlier. But this ELISA system was not rapid. Though subsequently it was refined, 24 h was required for the completion of the test. Hence, a modified protocol was developed using leaf disc as test antigen. The modified protocol is simple, rapid and results could be obtained within 7 h. The test yielded very high sensitivity of 98 % with respect to visual observations. The modified protocol is being used for the routine screening of coconut palms for selection of disease-free mother palms for developing root (wilt) resistant/tolerant varieties. Besides this, the test is being used for confirmation of root (wilt) disease in coconut palms seen in mildly disease affected and disease outbreaks in new areas.
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Keywords
Coconut, ELISA, horse radish peroxidase, leaf disc, Phytoplasma, root (wilt) disease
Citation
Journal of Plantation Crops. 2010.38 (1): 16-19