African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 4 (7), pp. 717-723, July 2005          
ISSN 1684–5315 © 2005 Academic Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Detection and distribution of sweetpotato feathery mottle virus in sweetpotato using membrane immunobinding assay

Yao DJE* and Hortense Atta DIALLO

Department of Biology and Plant Breeding, Université d’Abobo-Adjamé, 02 BP 801 Abidjan 02, Côte d’Ivoire.

*Corresponding Author’s E-mail: saticlan@yahoo.fr; Tel: +22520378118, Fax: 20378127.

Accepted 11 May, 2005

The serological technique called membrane immunobinding assay (MIBA) was used for the detection and distribution of sweetpotato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV) in clones of sweetpotato from China. The immuno-fingerprinting technique on nitrocellulose membrane is based on specific recognition between the viral antigens and a polyclonal antibody against them. The reaction on the membrane allows the observation of spots, which intensity depends on the viral concentration of the tested sample.  These spots can be conserved for very long periods.  With the dosage of the virus present in the tested leaf samples of clone Guangshu 62, the evolution as well as the distribution of the feathery mottle virus was followed. Thus, the individuals tested have a high viral concentration which, not only was age dependent, but also progressed toward the apex.  Since the high multiplication of the feathery mottle virus in clone Guangshu 62 did not had an effect on the tubers’ yield, the relationship between this clone and the virus is a tolerant one. The implications of this relationship are discussed by taking into account the cultural context and the yield component in rural area.

Key words: Sweetpotato, SPFMV, serological techniques, China, membrane immunobinding assay.