Recommendations from Euphresco projects
The following research project has recently been carried out in the framework of Euphresco (network for phytosanitary research coordination - hosted by EPPO). A report presenting the main objectives and results of this project, as well as recommendations made, can be viewed on the Euphresco website.
Assessment of a generic method for the detection of begomoviruses
Early diagnosis of begomoviruses based on symptoms is not reliable as abiotic and other biotic factors may induce similar symptoms. As the genus Begomovirus is the largest genus of plant viruses (with more than 400 species), tests for the generic detection of begomoviruses are needed. The aim of the project was to validate diagnostic tests for the detection of a large range of begomoviruses. Nine laboratories from Austria, France, Greece, Guatemala, Italy, the Netherlands, Peru, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom, registered for the test performance study. The tests that were evaluated during the test performance study are:
- Conventional PCR from Accotto et al. (2000);
- Conventional PCR from Wyatt and Brown (1996) modified in 2002 according to M Botermans (pers. comm.);
- Conventional PCR from Li et al. (2004) (adapted);
- Conventional PCR from Saison and Gentit (2015).
The modified test from Wyatt and Brown (1996) was able to detect all tested isolates (25 targets, up to a 10-3 dilution) with a high repeatability and reproducibility. The test from Saison and Gentit (2015) allowed the detection of all begomovirus isolates selected for the test performance study, but with a clear lower analytical sensitivity (up to a 10-2 dilution). The tests of Li et al. (2004) and of Accotto et al. (2000) did not show good analytical sensitivity and did not allow detection of all isolates included in the test performance study panel.
An EPPO diagnostic protocol for detection and identification of begomoviruses on cucurbits, eggplants, pepper, and tomato has been prepared considering the results of the project and has been sent for country consultation recently.
Duration of the project: 2019-10-01 to 2021-03-16.
Authors: Gentit, Pascal; Cousseau, Pascaline; Grausgruber-Groger, Sabine; De Ronde, Dryas; Vassilakos, Nikon; Kreuze, Jan; Tomassoli, Laura; Mehle, Nataša; Margarita Palmieri, Margarita; Monger, Wendy.
Link: https://zenodo.org/record/5909640#.YfJbkurMKUm
Sources
Euphresco (2022-02).