Standard test kits incorporating novel antibody fusion proteins to detect harmful viruses

There is continuing pressure from the agricultural industry for rapid and cheap methods to detect plant pathogens. This demonstration project aims to produce and validate test kits based on antibody fusion proteins to detect and identify three harmful viruses, beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV), potato leaf roll virus (PLRV) and tomato spotted wilt virus. With the introduction of plant passports it is important to have confidence in the results of tests done across the European Union. Therefore, standardisation of test and harmonisation of test methods is desirable.