Reverse Transcription-loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification for Detection of Maize Chlorotic Mottle Virus

Maize chlorotic mottle virus （MCMV） is a quarantine pest as approved by Chinese government： A rapid, sensitive and specific MCMV detection method using reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification （RT-LAMP） was established in this study. Based on the sequence of MCMV coat protein coding gene, 3 sets of primers were designed and specificity test showed that the second set of primers was specific to MCMV, Similar sensitivities were observed on RT-LAMP and RT-PCR, except that RT-LAMP was quicker, and the reaction could be finished within 1 h. In addition, the presence or absence of the fluorescence under daylight allows naked easy detection of the amplification of MCMV genomic RNA using calcein. The RT-LAMP assay was applied successfully to detect MCMV in maize seeds, and the result by the addition of calcein was consistent with the result detected by the real time turbidimeter. The method is rapid, specific, sensitive without the need for complicated equipment, and is suitable for rapid field detection of MCMV.

Monoclonal antibody-based serological methods for maize chlorotic mottle virus detection in China

Maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) infects maize plants and causes significant losses in corn production worldwide. In this study, purified MCMV particles were used as the immunogen to produce monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) and polyclonal antibodies (PAbs). Four murine MAbs (4B8, 8C11, 6F4, and 9G1) against MCMV were obtained through the hybridoma technology. The triple antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (TAS-ELISA), dot-immunobinding assay (DIBA), and immunocapture reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (IC-RT-PCR) using the MAb 4B8 were then developed for sensitive, specific, and rapid detection of MCMV in fields. MCMV could be detected in infected leaf crude extracts at dilutions of 1:327 680, 1:64000, and 1:3276800 (w/v, g/ml) by TAS-ELISA, DIBA, and IC-RT-PCR, respectively. One hundred and sixty-one maize field samples showing virus-like symptoms and sixty-nine symptomless maize field samples from ten different provinces of China were collected and screened for the presence of MCMV using the established serological methods. A phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the full length CP genes and Chinese MCMV isolates formed one branch with Thailand isolates. The detection results demonstrated that MCMV is one of most prevalent viruses infecting maize in the Yunnan and Sichuan provinces of China.

Recent progress in maize lethal necrosis disease:From pathogens to integrated pest management

Maize(Zea mays),as a staple food and an important industrial raw material,has been widely cultivated for centuries especially by smallholder farmers.Maize lethal necrosis disease(MLND)is a serious disease infecting maize,which caused devastating damage in the African region recently.MLND is induced by co-infection of maize chlorotic mottle virus and one of several cereal-infecting viruses in the Potyviridae family,with the symptoms ranging from chlorotic mottle to plant death at different infection stages.Integrated pest management for MLND needs strengthening detection,focusing on prevention and effective control.Early detection system of MLND has been successfully established by serological methods,nucleic acid-based methods,next-generation sequencing,etc.The practices,such as using certified seeds,sanitary measures,crop rotation,tolerant or resistant varieties etc.,have been considered as the effective,economical and eco-friendly way to prevent and control MLND.