The use of a sequential batch testing procedure and ELISA to determine the incidence of five viruses in Victorian cut-flower Sim carnations

Abstract

A sequential batch testing procedure was used in conjunction with ELISA to estimate levels of virus incidence in Victorian cut-flower 'Sim' carnations. The industry was surveyed for five viruses, namely; carnation mottle virus (CarMV), carnation etched ring virus (CERV), carnation vein mottle virus (CarVMV), carnation latent virus (CarLV) and carnation ringspot virus (CarRSV). CarMV was the most prevalent virus (9.9%), and lower levels of CERV (0 2%), CarVMV (0.1%) and CarLV (0.1%) were detected. CarRSV was not detected in any of the samples tested. Levels of CarMV were lower than in a previous survey in 1985, suggesting that the Plant Improvement Program which has been in operation in Victoria has been instrumental in reducing the incidence of this virus. Growers who purchased cuttings from specialist propagators had lower levels of virus than propagators who implemented little or no quality control. Growers who introduced pathogen-tested cuttings at regular intervals also had lower levels of virus infection.