An overview of diagnostics for viruses infecting gladiolus

Abstract

In order to improve the crop productivity, quality of germplasm and minimise infection in different cultivars of gladiolus, its proper diagnosis and control is essential. In addition, diagnosis also helps in exporting planting material to countries wherein strict quarantine conditions have been imposed. During the last two decades much advance has been made in diagnostics for the detection of viral diseases, but incidence of viral infection is increasing. In plants, emphasis has always been given to the diagnosis of viral infection in different parts of plants, particularly in the propagating material as it indirectly helps in the control of the infection. As well as Immuno-diagnostics, molecular biology has also provided techniques like the use of DNA/RNA probes, the polymerase chain reaction, etc. to detect the viruses. These techniques have shown great potential as far as specificity and sensitivity are concerned. The aim of this review is to discuss immuno-diagnostics and molecular-diagnostics used in the field of disease diagnosis of gladiolus, most particularly to diagnose Bean Yellow Mosaic Virus (BYMV) and Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV). DAS-ELISA, DTBIA, ISEM and RT-PCR are found to be the most suitable techniques to detect the various BYMV and CMV infecting gladiolus. These tests not only provide information for epidemiological purposes, but also to develop disease-free stock of gladiolus, which ultimately helps to control the infection.