Improvement of Barley yellow dwarf virus-PAV detection in single aphids using a fluorescent real time RT-PCR

Abstract

One of the major factors determining the incidence of Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) on autumn-sown cereals is the viruliferous state of immigrant winged aphids. This variable is assessed routinely using the enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). However, the threshold for virus detection by ELISA can lead to false negative results for aphids carrying less than 10 6 particles. Although molecular detection techniques enabling the detection of lower virus quantities in samples are available, the relatively laborious sample preparation and data analysis have restricted their use in routine applications. A gel-free real-time one-step reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) protocol is described for specific detection and quantitation of BYDV-PAV, the most widespread BYDV species in Western Europe. This new assay, based on TaqMan® technology, detects and quantifies from 10 2 to 10 8 BYDV-PAV RNA copies. This test is 10 and 10 3 times more sensitive than the standard RT-PCR and ELISA assays published previously for BYDV-PAV detection and significantly improves virus detection in single aphids. Extraction of nucleic acids from aphids using either phenol/chloroform or chelatin resin-based protocols allow the use of pooled samples or of a small part (up to 1/1600th) of a single aphid extract for efficient BYDV-PAV detection.