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Introducing PCR tests that will replace ELISA tests for various floricultural crops

Publicationdate: 26 maart 2025

As of April 1, 2025, for the crops in de families Amaranthaceae, Araceae, Bromeliaceae, Ericaceae, Geraniaceae, Heliotropiaceae, Iridaceae, Rosaceae, Rubiaceae and Zingiberaceae, we will introduce PCR tests to replace ELISA tests. In previous posts, we indicated that we want to move toward an uniform method per sample. We also announced that as soon as all virus tests for a crop can be performed with PCR, ELISA can no longer be requested. For these families, this moment has now arrived.

Planning other families 

An initial schedule has been established for a number of families. This planning is as follows and will be further completed during the year: 

May 

  • Aizoaceae, Anacardiaceae, Boraginaceae, Cannabaceae, Caprifoliaceae, Clusiaceae, Convolvulaceae, Fabaceae, Hemerocallidaceae, Liliaceae, Papaveraceae, Polygonaceae, Violaceae and the floriculture crops of Poaceae and Cyperaceae 

June 

  • Acanthaceae, Begoniaceae, Commelinaceae, Goodeniaceae   

July 

  • Onagraceae, Plumbaginaceae, Primulaceae, Saxifragaceae 

August 

  • Apiaceae, Chrysant (Asteraceae), Caryophyllaceae 

September 

  • Actinidiaceae, Alstroemeriaceae, Portulacaceae 

October 

  • Apocynaceae, Lamiaceae, Mesembryanthemaceae, Ranunculaceae, Verbenaceae   

Please note: This is a preliminary schedule. We will communicate any changes through our newsletters.  

A current schedule for each family and crop can also be found on the website. Check the website for an overview of all crops where we only perform PCR virus testing. 

Potyvirus we will continue to test with ELISA  

The Potyvirus test remains an exception for the time being. This test covers a very large group of viruses. This makes the development of a PCR test very complex and takes longer. A separate sample is still required for the Potyvirus test. 

Sample size and PCR rates  

For our PCR tests we use three different sample sizes with corresponding rates:  

  • Up to 2 leaves: €9.20* per virus per sample   
  • Maximum 10 leaves: €17.70* per virus per sample  
  • Maximum 25 leaves: €48.90* per virus per sample  

 * For some tests, we charge a different rate. This rate can be found in our Price list. Please also refer to our Price list 2025 for the base rates.   

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