Molecular analysis among MCA13-reactive isolates reveals a rapid strategy for assessment of Citrus tristeza virus severity

Yokomi, R.K.; Saponari, M.; Vidalakis, G.

Molecular analysis among MCA13-reactive isolates reveals a rapid strategy for assessment of Citrus tristeza virus severity

2011

Yokomi, R.K. | Saponari, M. | Vidalakis, G.

Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) usually occurs as a complex of strains that vary greatly in severity and aphid transmissibility. A rapid assay, therefore, is needed to distinguish potentially mild vs. severe strains of CTV for disease mitigation. An economical and practical strategy to screen for potential severe CTV strains was developed using a two-step system. Step 1 was to screen all samples with serology using a broad-spectrum and the strain-discriminating MCA13 monoclonal antibody. Step 2 was to test MCA13-reactive isolates with reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays using three CTV strain-specific TaqMan probes. This allowed categorizing MCA13-reactive isolates into at least three distinct CTV genotype groups which included potentially severe strains associated with VT, T3 or T36 genotypes vs. a non-standard T36 (T36-NS) genotype associated with a mild phenotype. This assay could be used to find trees infected with VT or T3 genotypes which could be targeted for eradication or CTV management programs and/or further genetic characterization or biocharacterization in citrus plant indicators.

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