1Division of Plant Protection, Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla 171001, HP, India.
Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) procedure for the detection of both the strain groups PVS°and PVSA of PVS was developed and validated by testing isolates of both the strains as well as mericlones of potato variety Kufri Chipsona-3. Sensitivity and reliability of the technique was compared with that of ELISA and immuno electron microscopy (IEM). The technique was more sensitive and reliable than ELISA, but at par with IEM.