Multiplex RT-PCR method to detect four aphid-borne strawberry viruses
A multiplex RT-PCR method has been developed in Germany to detect the main aphid-borne viruses infecting strawberry: Strawberry crinkle cytorhabdovirus (EU Annexes), Strawberry mild yellow edge potexvirus (EU Annexes), Strawberry mottle virus and Strawberry vein banding caulimovirus (EPPO A2 list). This method with a combination of virus-specific primers allowed to test plant material, simultaneously and in the same day, for the presence of the 4 viruses. This method is obviously less time-consuming than the traditional grafting onto Fragaria indicators.
Sources
Thompson JR, Wetzel S, Jelkmann W (2004) Pentaplex RT-PCR for the simultaneous detection of four aphid-borne viruses in combination with a plant mRNA specific internal control in Fragaria spp.
Acta Horticulturae no. 656, 51-56.