ELISA

Abbreviation for "Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay". This is a serological test procedure (serology = diagnosis of infectious diseases) used since the mid-1970s and now widely used to determine disease pathogens in grapevines, which is also done in quarantine for imports. With the help of ELISA, the content of proteins (protein substances) and viruses, but also compounds such as pesticides, hormones and toxins can be detected. The method makes use of the property of specific antibodies that bind to the substance (antigen) to be detected. Antibodies or antigens are previously labelled with an enzyme.

The reaction catalysed by the enzyme serves as proof of the presence of the antigen. In the case of grapevine, this is done by detecting viral protein (albumen) in the plant tissue. This can be used, for example, to detect infestation by leafroll disease and brushwood disease caused by viruses. Appropriately prepared test kits are used. Such tests are also carried out in breeding (maintenance breeding). Only the ELISA method is approved for the determination of substances in wine that contain protein and belong to the allergens. Other test methods are indexing and PCR (polymerase chain reaction). See also under vine enemies.

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ELISA

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