Monoclonal and polyclonal production
Since 1987, monoclonal antibodies
have been produced against a number of plant viruses (ToMV, CMV, BCMV, PVY, PVX,
BNYVV, BMYV). Recently other molecules have been used to produce Mabs, like tetrahydrocannabinol
(THC), benzodiazepine (BDZ), abscissic acid (ABA).
Recombinant proteins
obtained from virus (3a protein from cucumber mosaic virus), Bacillus thuringiensis
(coleopthera specific) and plant stress related protein has been the antigen
used to produce some Mabs useful to perform ELISA. Polyclonal antibodies have
been produced against many plant viruses and contaminant chemicals like Fenoxicarb,
Benalaxyl, or antigen associated with fungus proteins (Tuber spp.)
Immunological techniques development and application
Using own produced polyclonal
and monoclonal antibodies, ELISA has been set up and widely used. Experimental
test to detect abscissic acid (ABA) has been employed in breeding programs for
resistance to abiotic stresses. ABA ELISA has been standardised and validated
to be distributed as commercial test worldwide in collaboration with Florilab
Co.