Professor, Richard E. Cullen, Senior Biologist, Mark D. Gooch, Biological Scientist, Sharon M. Alford, Program Assistant, Plant Pathology Department, University of Florida, I.F.A.S. Plant virus inclusions are valuable for diagnosing viruses at the group level, and in some instances can be used to identify a specific virus. They can be detected with a light microscope when properly stained.
Inclusions induced by a specific virus have the same characteristic appearance across a host range.
The procedures are simple, rapid and inexpensive and can save valuable antisera as well as direct in the selection of proper techniques for identifying plant virus diseases. Other groups will be demonstrated through the use of prepared slides and kodachrome slide presentations. Staining techniques, tissue selection, and tissue preparation will be covered. All materials will be provided including use of a compound microscope for each participant. A monograph of virus inclusions will be supplied to participants.