Real-time PCR to detect Xanthomonas fragariae in plant tissues
A new real-time PCR assay has been developed in the USA for the detection of Xanthomonas fragariae (EPPO A2 List). Three sets of primers and probes were developed and optimal reaction conditions were determined for the detection of X. fragariae in plant tissues. Real-time PCR was found more sensitive and more specific than standard PCR and the bacterium could be detected in crown tissue extracts which was not possible with standard PCR. The authors considered that this new real-time PCR assay was particularly useful to detect latent infections of X. fragariae in strawberry planting material for certification or quarantine purposes.
Sources
Turechek WW, Hartung JS, McCallister J (2008) Development and optimization of a real-time detection assay for Xanthomonas fragariae in strawberry crown tissue with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Phytopathology 98(3), 359-368.