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A Specific Fluorescent Antibody for Detection of Syringomycin in Infected Peach Tree Tissues. V. A. Paynter, Adjunct associate professor (formerly agricultural research associate), Department of Plant Pathology and Physiology, USDA, ARS, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29631; R. Alconero, research plant pathologist, USDA, ARS, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29631. Phytopathology 69:493-496. Accepted for publication 21 November 1978. Copyright 1979 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-69-493.

Procedures are described for producing a specific fluorescent antibody (FA) to syringomycin (SR), a toxin which is produced in vitro and in vivo by pathogenic strains of Pseudomonas syringae. Stem and leaf sections of peach seedlings inoculated with pathogenic strains of P. syringae or syringomycin, exhibited the yellow-green fluorescence of the SR-FA complex in all infected or toxin-infiltrated tissues, but not in healthy control plants. Most fluorescence was observed around the periphery of the cells and was apparent in phloem, xylem, cambium, and pith-parenchyma cells. Field samples from commercial orchards also tested positive for presence of SR by the microprecipitin test and by visualization of the FA-SR complex.