Identification of Phytopathogenic Virus Strains by their Luminescent Properties

Abstract

A quick test has been developed to identify phytopathogenic virus strains by variations in their photoluminescence parameters. When heated, the virus suspension shows a jumpwise drop or rise in fluorescence intensity caused by conformational changes in the macromolecules of the virion protein capsules. The relative value of the jump in fluorescence intensity and the temperature value at which the jump occurs are essentially strain‐specific. The minimum time needed for one test is from 15 to 20 minutes.