Abstract :
A commercial serological, multiwell assay kit was used
to assess the detection limits of Phytophthora fragariae
var, rubi in raspberry roots. Detection limits in time lapse
after inoctilation, were assessed after inoculation of root
systems of raspberry plants by zoospores of P. fragariae
var, rubi. In extracts taken 3-9 days after inoculation,
the pathogen was detected from the fourth day after
inoculation. In a test series of simulated P. fragariae var.
rubi infection where 0,25, 0,5, 1,0 and 1.5% of infected
root tissue respectively, were mixed with healthy tissue
(w/w), it was possible to detect the pathogen at 0,25% of
simulated infection level. The results obtained show the
possibility of an early detection of small amounts of
antigen by the ELISA test procedure used. This enhance
possibilities for early diagnosis and thereby more effective
prevention of Phytophthora diseases in raspberry
