The Use of a Simple Electron Microscope Serology Procedure to Observe Relationships of Seven Potyviruses

The relationships between bean yellow mosaic (BYMV), bean common mosaic (BCMV), clover yellow vein (CYVV), lettuce mosaic (LMV), potato virus Y (PVY), turnip mosaic (TuMV) and celery mosaic (CeMV) viruses were studied in homologous and heterologous reactions, using simple and relatively rapid electron microscope serology decoration tests. The degree of relationship between these viruses was assessed by the intensity of antibody coating when the viruses were decorated by heterologous antibodies. A close relationship was observed between BYMV and CYVV, and between BYMV and LMV but not between CYVV and LMV. CeMV was quite closely related to BYMV and CYVV. Antibodies to BCMV and BYMV intensely decorated different strains of their own virus, but decoration was negligible in cross reactions.