New PCR assays to detect Fusarium foetens
Fusarium foetens (EPPO Alert List) is a new pathogen of Begonia. It is difficult to distinguish it morphologically from other Fusarium species and currently used identification methods require isolation and culture of the fungus which is time-consuming. A conventional PCR using specific primers and a real-time PCR were developed in the Netherlands. Both tests could specifically detect F. foetens in cultures as well as in infected Begonia tissues. Although these results are preliminary, it is considered that both methods have the potential to be used for the routine detection of F. foetens.
Sources
de Weerdt M, Zijlstra C, van Brouwershaven IR, van Leeuwen GCM, de Gruyter J, Kox LFF (2006) Molecular detection of Fusarium foetens in Begonia. Journal of Phytopathology 154(11-12), 694-700.