ELISA test to detect viruliferous Frankliniella occidentalis
The authors of this paper recalled that tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (TSWV - potential EPPO A2 quarantine pest) is transmitted in a persistent manner by a number of thrips species, among which Frankliniella occidentalis (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) is the most important. Adult thrips can transmit TSWV only if the virus is acquired during the larval stages, and the majority of viruliferous thrips acquires the virus during the second larval stage. An ACP-ELISA test has been developed to identify viruliferous thrips and to detect thrips that can potentially transmit the virus (virus is acquired and replicates in the insect). The authors have chosen to use monoclonal antibodies to a non-structural protein encoded by the small RNA of TSWV, which is produced in thrips in which the virus has replicated. The reliability of the ACP-ELISA test to detect viruliferous thrips has been compared with transmission of TSWV by F. occidentalis to Petunia grandiflora. The two tests were in agreement 92 % of the time (error of 6%: viruliferous thrips detected and no transmission occurred - error of 2 %: thrips not found viruliferous and transmission occurred). The authors concluded that the ACP-ELISA test is a reliable and useful tool for identifying viruliferous F. occidentalis and forecasting the incidence of TSWV early in the season, even before plantation of the crop.
Sources
Bandla, M.D.; Westcot, D.M.; Chenault, K.D.; Ullman, D.E.; German, T.L.; Sherwood, J.L. (1994) Use of monoclonal antibody to the nonstructural protein encoded by the small RNA of tomato spotted wilt tospovirus to identify viruliferous thrips.
Phytopathology, 84 (12), 1427-1431.