Abstract
Simplified radial and double diffusion (SRD and SDD, respectively) techniques were developed for rapid detection and serodiagnosis of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). Both techniques were based on immunodiffusion test in agar gel on microscopic glass slide with some modification. Filter paper disks were arranged on agar bed (containing antiserum for SRD test) as antigen reservoirs, on which NaCl treated leaf tissues were mounted. For SDD test, filter paper saturated with antiserum was placed on agar gel, and filter paper disks for sample antigens were arranged around it. Solution of 24% NaCl was used successfully for dissociating CMV (including 5 isolates) into fast diffusible and immunoreactive antigen. Immunoreactions were finally read after overnight period at room temperature. The serological detection of CMV was found to be as sensitive as, or in some cases, more reliable than bioassay on cowpea. Nonspecific precipitates sometimes occurred in agar gel with plant species excepting main vegetables. The precipitates, however, did not seriously interfere with interpretation of SDD test.
