Archivio Journal of Plant Pathology

Abstract:

Eutypa lata is the causal agent of a devastating disease affecting grapevines around the world. We have previously reported that the fungus secretes in its culture medium a variety of polypeptides, and we have developed serological method of detecting these. Rabbit antibodies raised against the polypeptide fraction, recognized secreted fungal proteins with high sensitivity (commonly 1 ng). These antibodies were specific since they cross-reacted with polypeptides secreted by various strains of Eutypa lata but not by other fungal pathogens involved in other wood decay diseases, namely esca (Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and Phaeoacremonium aleophilum) and black dead arm (Diplodia seriata and Neofusicoccum parvum). These results were obtained by ELISA assay and immunolocalization on ultrathin sections. The ability of the polypeptides to be transported in vines permitted development of a reliable dot-blot method of diagnosis rapid, easy to perform and not destructive for grapevines. Advantages and drawbacks of the method are discussed.`