Detection of Xylophilus ampelinus
Isolation on growing media of Xylophilus ampelinus (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) from infected grapevine material is difficult, and so far no selective media are available. Studies made in South Africa showed that incubation of cuttings at 15 °C for 3 days under moist conditions significantly increased the number of isolated X. ampelinus colonies on growing medium (Difco NA). By using this enrichment technique, it was also possible to detect X. ampelinus in latently infected grapevine shoots. The authors stressed that after isolation on growing medium, confirmation of identity of the bacterium is essential (Gram reaction and biochemical tests). They also noted that serological and PCR techniques are now available for the detection of the bacterium in grapevine material.
Sources
Serfontein, S.; Serfontein, J.J.; Botha, W.J.; Staphorst, J.L. (1997) the isolation and characterisation of Xylophilus ampelinus.
Vitis, 36(4), 209-210.