IDENTIFICATION OF THE CAUSAL AGENT OF STRIP LEAVES SYMPTOMS ON TOMATO IN PROTECTIVE HOUSES

Abstract

This study was carried out, at Abu-Graib area in 2007, to identify the causal agent of strip leaves symptoms on Tomato in protective houses. Symptoms on indicator plants, electrophoresis through 10%polyacrylamide gel containing 0.1% SDS, and Immunostrip techniques were adopted. The analysis of samples of total protein prepared from infected plants by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed 3 bands, one of 18KD Molecular weight represented the coat protein of purified Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV), two other bands of 24KD and 26KD represented the coat protein of purified Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV). However, no bands corresponding to these proteins in the profile of total proteins prepared from healthy plants were detected. The immunostrip test specific for TMV and CMV showed a positive reaction with extracts from infected plants. Whereas, no reaction was observed with extracts from healthy plants submitted to the same treatment.