Cucurbitaceen-Viren und der Nachweis ihrer Saatgutübertragung – ein methodisches Problem

Virus diseases of cucurbitaceae are frequently observed. More than 30 different viruses can cause symptoms on leaves and fruits. Quality as well as yield can be drastically affected. In some cases the source of infection is unknown. Therefore studies to elucidate a possible virus contamination of seeds and seed transmission of viruses were carried out at the Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture (LfL). Seed samples of cucurbitaceae were sown in the greenhouse and plants were cultivated. The presence of viruses in fruits was checked by DAS-ELISA. A high percentage of samples were tested positive by ELISA, but these results could not be verified by other methods (tests on indicator plants, RT-PCR). Also electron microscopic investigations at the German Federal Authority and Federal Research Centre (BBA), Braunschweig, gave negative results. Thus a virus contamination of the seed samples was not detected.