PCR assay to detect Phytophthora lateralis
A rapid and sensitive PCR assay has been developed to detect Phytophthora lateralis (EPPO Alert List) in Chamaecyparis lawsoniana tissues (stems and roots) and in water. The fungus could also be detected in soil baited with C. lawsoniana foliage, but not in unbaited soil. Zoospores could be detected in water after concentration on membrane filters. In addition, it was found that the primers developed for P. lateralis, although they gave negative reactions with many other Phytophthora species, could also detect P. ramorum (a closely related fungus causing sudden oak death in USA – EPPO Alert List). P. ramorum could be detected in bark samples taken from lesions of naturally infected tanoaks (Lithocarpus densiflorus). It is pointed out that P. lateralis and P. ramorum have very different hosts. Therefore, provided the host plant is known, this PCR assay could still be used for specific identification of the two pathogens.
Sources
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Winton, L.M.; Hansen, E.M. (2001) Molecular diagnosis of Phytophthora lateralis in trees, water, and foliage baits using multiplex polymerase chain reaction.
Forest Pathology, 31(5), 257-320.
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