title: RT-PCR detection of dsRNAs associated with La France disease of the cultivated mushroom Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach.
abstract: A reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay (RT-PCR) is described for the detection of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules (M1, M2, and L3) associated with La France disease of the cultivated mushroom Agaricus bisporus. RT-PCR was faster and more sensitive than current methods used to detect dsRNA, such as dsRNA extraction and analysis by electrophoresis. Another major advantage of RT-PCR was the detection of M1 dsRNA in rapidly prepared homogenates of sporophores and spawn, and in compost before sporophore production. The early detection of La France disease by RT-PCR will enable implementation of control measures by growers that may reduce losses in production time associated with a disease outbreak. Sequence analysis of dsRNA molecules in two Australian isolates showed that M1 was more conserved than M2 or L3 dsRNA.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. Peter.Revill@med.monash.edu.au
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Revill
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Wright
mesh_terms: D000364:Agaricus / Q000821:virology*; D001483:Base Sequence; D004279:DNA, Viral; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010942:Plant Viruses / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012328:RNA Viruses / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D012330:RNA, Double-Stranded / Q000032:analysis*; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D013698:Templates, Genetic
chemical_list: D004279:DNA, Viral; D012330:RNA, Double-Stranded; D012367:RNA, Viral