Development of a Real-Time PCR Assay for the Detection and Identification of Rubus Stunt Phytoplasma in Rubus spp.

• DOI: 10.1094/pdis-09-22-2193-re
• Publication Date: 2023-01-08T04:43:51Z
• Authors: Harvinder Bennypaul; Daniel Sanderson; Peri Donaghy; Ismail Abdullahi
• Keywords: Rubus; Phytoplasma; Broom

Rubus stunt, caused by 'Candidatus Phytoplasma rubi' (Rubus stunt phytoplasma; RSP), is an economically important disease of Rubus. This occurs in wild and cultivated spp. Europe but has not been reported from North America; however, its major leafhopper vector well established western Canada the U.S.A. RSP potential to impact cane-fruit industry significantly compromising yields impacting export for propagation material. To mitigate risk this entering or establishing, import testing material a phytosanitary requirement Canada, U.S.A., other countries regulating RSP. In absence specific test RSP, current scheme involves use generic screen phytoplasmas followed additional time-consuming procedures confirm phytoplasma species. study, real-time PCR assay, targeting 154-bp region tuf gene, was developed sensitive detection The assay detected minimum five target copies, no cross-reactivity observed even with 'Ca. P. rubi'-related strain associated blackberry witches' broom, which differs only single nucleotide polymorphism region. Repeatability checked on two platforms acceptable results. conclusion, provides mitigating introduction spread