Fortunately, as the result of advances in biotechnology, new products and techniques are becoming available that will complement or replace time-consuming laboratory procedures. Many products already are available for use, while others are still in developmental stages. Some procedures require laboratory equipment and training, while other procedures can be performed on site by a person with no specialized training. A number of disease detection kits have been developed for use at the site where a disease is suspected. These kits, which in most cases do not require laboratory equipment, are especially useful to growers.
Some tests only take five minutes to perform.
This assay is based on the ability of an antibody to recognize and bind to a specific antigen, a substance associated with a plant pathogen. The process is illustrated in figure 1 . The antibodies produced recognize and react only with the proteins associated with the causal agent of that plant disease. These antibodies are bound to a plastic plate or similar detector unit in a test kit. The individual running the test prepares the plant sample by grinding it between two pieces of abrasive paper.