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Techniques

Detection of Mycoplasmalike Organisms In Situ by Indirect Immunofluorescence Microscopy. Andrea da Rocha, Former graduate research assistant, Department of Plant Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2P5; S. T. Ohki(2), and C. Hiruki(3). (2)(3)Visiting assistant professor, and professor, Department of Plant Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2P5. Phytopathology 76:864-868. Accepted for publication 29 January 1986. Copyright 1986 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-76-864.

Mycoplasmalike organisms (MLOs) of Eastern aster yellows (a New York isolate), Western aster yellows (an Alberta isolate), potato witches'-broom and clover proliferation were partially purified from Catharanthus roseus. Hand sections from MLO-infected and healthy C. roseus, previously treated with individual MLO antisera, were exposed to antirabbit goat immunoglobulins conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate and were examined by fluorescence microscopy. MLO-specific fluorescence was detected in those infected with MLOs but not in comparable healthy tissue. This technique is suitable for practical diagnosis of plant diseases associated with MLOs.