Comparative tests using inmunosorbent electron mi- croscopy plus decoration and ELISA with antibodies against Garlic virus A (GarV-A) and Garlic virus C

Comparative tests using inmunosorbent electron microscopy plus decoration and ELISA with antibodies against Garlic virus A (GarV-A) and Garlic virus C (GarV-C) coat proteins showed that they specifically recognize the respective viruses. On this basis, the GarV-A antiserum was used in DAS-ELISA tests to study the distribution of GarV-A in different regions of Argentina. A total of 2655 samples, representing 115 garlic fields were analyzed. GarV-A was detected in 64%, 51%, 43% and 35% of samples collected in San Juan, Mendoza, Córdoba and Buenos Aires Provinces, respectively. Positive samples were not found in plants from Santa Cruz Province. Distribution among different garlic cultivars showed that this virus was present in 33%, 46%, 53%, 70% and 43% of plants belonging to cvs ‘Colorado’, ‘Chino’, ‘Violeta Francés’, ‘Blanco’ and ‘Rosado Paraguayo’, respectively. Negative results were obtained in samples of cvs ‘Castaño-INTA’ and ‘Violeta Santacruceño’.