Monoclonal ELISA for the determination of BNYV-virus.

Monoclonal antibodies have been developed against the BNYV-virus (beet-necrotic-yellow-vein) which causes the rhizomania disease in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris). The B103 hybridoma produced predominantly IgG2a at greater than 100 micrograms/ml. IgM-production could not, however, be ruled out. In a polyclonal-monoclonal indirect sandwich ELISA, the B103-antibody bound to BNYVV of Austrian, German, French and Bulgarian origin at a sensitivity of 1 ng/ml or less. Comparison of sugar beet samples in ELISA and immuno-electronmicroscopy showed good correlation, demonstrating the good performance of B103 antibody for broad application in BNYVV diagnosis.