Testing Methods for Seed-Transmitted Viruses: Principles and Protocols

Testing Methods for Seed-Transmitted Viruses: Principles and Protocols

by S E Albrechtsen, formerly of the Danish Government Institute of Seed Pathology, Copenhagen, Denmark

Pub Date: January 2006
paperback
268 pages

Readership
Students and researchers in seed science and technology, and plant pathology.

Main Description
This practical guide covers the commonly used detection methods for seed-transmitted viruses and viroids that affect both tropical and temperate crops. It contains 25 complete step-by-step procedures for biological, serological and molecular techniques to detect and identify such viruses. Combining helpful practical notes with more detailed explanations of the principles behind the techniques, the book describes the general characteristics of seed-transmitted viral diseases and discusses outlines for the organization and interpretation of seed health assays. The techniques reviewed are also applicable to non-seed-transmitted viral agents.

Main Contents
PART I
• Introduction
• Seed transmission of viruses
• Ecology, epidemiology and control
PART II
• Biological assays
• Serological testing methods
• Nucleic acid-based testing methods
• Nucleic acid hybridization
• Epilogue
Appendix 1. List of seed-transmitted viruses and viroids
Appendix 2. Reagents, solutions and buffers
Appendix 3. Suppliers of laboratory equipment and materials

Reviews
"Overall, this is an excellent guide to seed testing and virological diagnostic methods in general. It is a very welcome addition to the literature and a book that should have a place on the shelf of every diagnostic plant virology laboratory, whether or not they are involved in seed testing."-Rick Mumford, Plant Pathology (2006) 55
The title says it all: this compact, spiral bound volume is an information-packed, very practical guide to the 'why' and the 'how-to' of plant virus and viroid detection in seeds. - Thierry Candresse, European Journal of Plant Pathology