Integrated viral sequences and high sequence variability among badnaviruses complicates the
development of specific reliable molecular detection tests for yam-infecting badnaviruses. Thus
Serological techniques are of notable importance for routine testing and monitoring of these viruses.
The major limiting factor to the use of serological techniques is the limited availability of antibodies.
Rabbit polyclonal antibody was produced against a purified preparation of a yam-infecting badnavirus
from Nigeria. Antibody titre was determined by Protein-A sandwich (PAS) enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The antibody produced had a titre of 1:1280 in PAS-ELISA and
detected yam-infecting badnaviruses in infected yam leaves from Nigeria, Ghana, Benin and Togo. The
suitability of the antibody for use in immunocapture polymerase chain reaction (IC-PCR) was evaluated.
The antibody successfully trapped both Dioscorea alata bacilliform virus (DaBV) and Dioscorea
sansibarensis bacilliform virus (DsBV) for IC-PCR detection. The antibody produced in this study will
enhance certification of yam planting materials across West Africa and also facilitate the safe
international movement of yam germplasm