Background:

Chrysanthemum plants are subject to serious viral diseases. The viruses cause severe losses of the quantity and quality of chrysanthemum. The most problematic pathogen of chrysanthemum is typically considered Chrysanthemum virus B (CVB). Thus, a method for the simultaneous detection of CVB is needed.

Results:

We used gene-specific primers, which were derived from the coat protein gene region of the virus, for reverse transcription to obtain cDNA. Nested amplification polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to detect the viral gene. This method was sensitive enough to detect the virus at up to 10-9 dilution of the cDNA.

Conclusion:

A highly specific and sensitive nested PCR-based assay has been described for detecting CVB. This new method is highly specific and sensitive for the detection of CVB, which is known to infect chrysanthemum plants in the fields. Further, this protocol has an advantage over traditional methods as it is more cost-effective. This assay is ideal for an early stage diagnosis of the disease.