Large-scale testing of lateral flow devices for the on-site plum pox virus detection

For the first time Plum pox virus (PPV) genetic diversity has been studied in Russia. PPV isolates belonging to the D, M, C and W strains were found and identified by ELISA and immunocapture reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The large-scale testing of lateral flow devices (test-strips) developed for the on-site PPV detection was carried out using samples infected with different PPV isolates. Test-strips have been shown to reveal the plants infected with the most prevalent in Russia D and M PPV strains. The time of immunochromatographic analysis does not exceed 10 min. The application of the test-strips for monitoring of sharka disease and by quarantine service can facilitate timely virus detection thus preventing this devastating pathogen dissemination through propagation of infected plant material.