New PCR detection method for Erwinia stewartii in maize seeds
A new PCR method has been developed in Cambridge (GB) to detect Erwinia stewartii (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) in maize seeds. The PCR primers used are highly specific to E. stewartii and do not cross-react with other Erwinia species or a wide range of bacterial isolates obtained from maize seed samples. This PCR test is less time-consuming than other methods (isolation on selective agar medium and ELISA). It takes approximately 3-4 hours, starting with bacterial cells to detecting an amplified product on agarose gel. Its sensitivity is 50 fg of E. stewartii DNA (equivalent to 12.5 bacterial cells).
Sources
Blakemore, E.J.A.; Reeves, J.C. (1994) Development of a new PCR-based seed health test to identify Erwinia stewartii and its comparison with two other test methods.
Phytopathology, 84(10), p 1153.
Abstract of a paper presented at the 1994 APS Annual Meeting, Albuquerque, US, 1994-09-06/10.