Abstract
An antiserum against rice dwarf virus (RDV) was prepared by injecting a rabbit with the purified virus prepared from RDV-infected rice plants. The titer of the antiserum was 1/4096 when determined by the precipitin ring test, but was 1/1024 and 1/128 by the precipitin tube and agar gel tests, respectively. The dilution end points of RDV-antigen obtained were 1/2×(1.5)-9, 1/2×(1.5)-7, and 1/2×(1.5)-3mg/ml when determined by the precipitin ring, the precipitin tube, and agar gel tests, respectively. As determined by the ring test, RDV-antigen in the extracts from various parts of infected plants was observed in the descending order of the amount in old leaves, young leaves, leaf sheaths, calyptras, and roots, but was not in symptomless leaves. Concerning the distribution of RDV-antigen in a panicle, it was detected in all parts of the panicle, but not in embryo and endosperm. Distribution of RDV-antigen was tested in fixed sections of RDV-infected rice plants by staining with fluorescein-antibody. The location of the antigen was detected in all parts of the plants except symptomless leaves, embryo, and endosperm. These results are in accord with the results obtained by the ring tests with plant extracts. The antigen was observed being assembled like inclusion bodies that have been observed in the cells around phloem.
