Detection of Tobacco Mosaic and Tobacco Ringspot Viruses in White Ash Trees by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. J. D. Castello, Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse 13210. L. A. Amico, and M. T. O’Shea, Former Research Assistants, Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse 13210. Plant Dis. 68:787-790. Accepted for publication 12 March 1984. Copyright 1984 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-68-787.

Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) or tobacco ringspot virus (TbRSV), or both, were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at various times during the 1981 growing season in tissue samples taken from 21 of 23 white ash (Fraxinus americana) trees. Virus infection was not correlated with twig and branch dieback; however, all but two trees with viruslike foliar symptoms were infected with either or both viruses. Neither virus was associated consistently with any specific foliar symptom. TbRSV was detected most consistently in root tissue samples. TMV was detected with equal frequency in both root and aboveground tissues. Peak periods of virus detection occurred at 3- to 5-wk intervals throughout the growing season.

Keyword(s): ash dieback, contributing factors, predisposing.