Abstract
TMV was isolated from plant samples collected from tobacco fields and identified and characterized on the basic
of biological, serological and physical properties. The virus isolate infected 23 plant species in 5 botanical
families, had DEP of 1x 10.7
, TIP between 85-88°C and longevity in vitro of 30 days at 25°C. Fresh and
desiccated tissue was ELISA positive. Purified virus preparations were infectious, opalescent and absorbed UV
spectrum which was minimum at 242 nm and maximum at 260 nm. Antiserum produced against TMV in a rabbit
showed a homologous titre of 1:512 in gel immunodiffusion test and 1:2048 in tube precipitin test. Numerous, rod
shaped unaggregated virus particles, with a modal length of 300 nm, were observed under EM. On the basic of
hosts range, smptomatology and serological properties, the TMV isolate resembled very closely to common strain
of TMV.
Keywords: TMV, ELISA, virus characterization, common strain
