Monoclonal antibodies to identify adults of Trialeurodes vaporarium and Bemisia tabaci
There is an obvious need for rapid and simple methods to identify adult whiteflies, either in consignments moving in trade or in crops. As a first step, two monoclonal antibodies have been developed to distinguish between adults of Trialeurodes vaporariorum and Bemisia tabaci (EPPO A2 quarantine pest). When used in combination, these monoclonal antibodies can readily identify adults of T. vaporariorum and B. tabaci in an ELISA test. The authors noted that further studies are needed to incorporate these monoclonal antibodies in a detection kit which could be used by growers, extension workers, phytosanitary inspectors and even gardeners. In addition, studies will continue on the development of monoclonal antibodies to distinguish B. tabaci biotype B (also referred to as B. argentifolii) from other biotypes.
Sources
Symondson, W.O.C.; Gasull, T.; Liddell, J.E. (1999) Rapid identification of adult whiteflies in plant consignments using monoclonal antibodies.
Annals of Applied Biology, 134(3), 271-276.