Detection of Wheat Spindle Streak Mosaic Virus by Serologically Specific Electron Microscopy. Karen Zagula Haufler, Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824-1312. Dennis W. Fulbright, Assistant Professor, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824-1312. Plant Dis. 67:988-990. Accepted for publication 14 March 1983. Copyright 1983 American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-67-988.

Wheat spindle streak mosaic virus was readily detected by serologically specific electron microscopy (SSEM) in wheat plants suspected to be infected with this virus. About 1,000 times more particles were observed in crude sap from plants grown in the field and in a growth chamber by SSEM than by conventional transmission electron microscopy. Particles were 16 nm in diameter and ranged from 600 to 3,800 nm long, with a modal length of 1,775 nm. SSEM provides a routine rapid assay for detecting WSSMV-infected plants.