The effect of storage conditions on the serological activity of two strains of potato virus S (PVS), Andean and the ordinary, was studied by ELISA. Virus purificates, infected leaves and their homogenates, stored in lyophilized, frozen and dissolved form at various temperatures were tested. Virus purificates were most stable in lyophilized form, their activity decreased after 9 months only by 20-30%. Also non-purified virus was most stable as a lyophilized leaf homogenate, its activity decreased after 12 months by 30%. When lyophilized leaves were stored, the virus activity dropped after 12 months by 45%. Both the Andean and the ordinary strain of PVS behaved similarly during storage under the conditions tested.

Institute of Experimental Botany Academy of Sciences of Czech Republic Praha