Detection of six nepoviruses in their nematode vectors by immunosorbent electron microscopy

SUMMARY Particles of six nepoviruses were detected by immunosorbent electron microscopy (ISEM) in extracts of their respective vector nematodes. This technique was at least a thousand times more sensitive than conventional electron microscopy. It was also more rapid, reliable and sensitive than infectivity tests in which extracts of nematodes were inoculated to indicator plants. The viruses were detected in extracts of single nematodes, and in the roots and leaves of infector and bait plants.