Virus Testing
In addition to fungal and bacterial pathogens, plants and seeds can be host to a variety of different viral pathogens. Many of these viruses can reduce yield and cause defects in your crop, so it is beneficial to test your seed lot before planting. In addition, many countries have import restrictions which require a seed lot to be free of common viral pathogens before they can be accepted into the country.
AgEtal’s pathology department can test for a range of important viral pathogens to ensure your seed is suitable for planting or for international export. Please see the list of current virus test offerings – if your virus is not on this list, please contact our lab staff as we may be able to order in the necessary reagents to complete your testing (NB: if you require a test we haven’t offered previously, there may be a three-week delay and your request may incur a higher fee).
Current Virus Test Offerings
- Alfalfa Mosaic Virus (AMV)
- Arabis Mosaic Virus (ArMV)
- Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus (WSMV)
For the following viruses, we do not always keep testing kits in stock depending on the season and the demand. Please check with our lab staff first if you require testing for these and note that there may be a 3-6 week delay if we need to order a new kit:
- Barley Stripe Mosaic Virus (BSMV)
- Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV)
- Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus (CGMMV)
- Panicum Mosaic Virus (PMV)
- Pea Seed-borne Mosaic Virus (PSbMV)
- Soybean Mosaic Virus (SMV)
- Tobacco Rattle Virus (TRV)
Our ELISA method for viral detection allows for a rapid turnaround time of 72 hours but with prior notice of your incoming sample we can complete the test in a shorter time period.