Citrus Variegated Chlorosis: Serological Detection of Xylella fastidiosa, the Bacterium Associated With the Disease

Abstract

A bacterium resembling Xylella fastidiosa has been cultured from citrus variegated chlorosis-affected citrus plants. Polyclonal antibodies have been obtained against the cultured bacterium and used in DAS-ELISA for its detection and characterization. The bacterium is closely related to other X. fastidiosa strains and can be detected in infected trees, both on symptomatic and asymptomatic leaves. The detection of the bacterium by a fast immunoprinting assay is described.