Serological Detection of Cardamom Mosaic Virus Infecting Small Cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum L

Abstract

ABSTRACT-Small Cardamom (Elettariacardamomum L. Maton) is one of the major spice crops of India, which were the world's largest producer and exporter of cardamom till 1980. There has however been a reduction in production, mainly because of Katte disease, caused by cardamom mosaic virus (CdMV) a potyvirus. Viral diseases can be managed effectively by early diagnosis using serological methods. In the present investigation, CdMV isolates were sampled from Mudigere, Karnataka, ultra purified, and electron micro graphed for confirmation. Polyclonal antibodies were raised against the virus and a direct antigen coating plate Enzyme linked immunosorbent Assay (DAC-ELISA) and Dot-ELISA (DIBA) standardized to detect the virus in diseased and tissue cultured plants. Early diagnosis in planting material will aid in using disease free material for better yields and hence increased profit to the farmer.