Simplified extraction method for ELISA and PCR detection of potato leafroll luteovirus primary infection in dormant potato tubers

This report describes a simple, rapid and inexpensive procedure for sampling large numbers of dormant tubers for analysis of potato leafroll luteovirus (PLRV) infection. The procedure uses a common electric drill to simultaneously remove and macerate tuber-eye samples for detection of PLRV by the enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). By using these sampling and analysis approaches, 19 of 20 different PLRV isolates were detected in dormant tubers from plants with primary infections. Results from the dormant tuber analysis, were verified by planting the tubers and testing leaf tissue by ELISA and PCR. Similar sampling and testing done on healthy dormant tubers and sprouts from the tubers consistently gave negative results as expected.