New SE-PCR tests for bacteria on tomato, pepper and eggplant

Publicationdate: 29 mei 2024

Naktuinbouw Laboratories has developed two new tests for the detection of pathogens on tomato, pepper and eggplant to support the sector.

Plating protocols currently exist for testing seeds for Xanthomonas 'bacterial spot' pathogens (tomato, pepper and eggplant) and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (tomato). However, the plating method often leads to invalid results, by overgrowth in 'dirty' samples. Therefore, a pre-screening method was implemented for both pathogens. This is fast and reliable and is less susceptible to saprophyts.

These tests can be performed as a combi-test with the SE-PCR already available for Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis on tomato seeds.

Rapid DNA screening for presence of pathogens

Plating assays consist of serial tests which is time consuming, but the SE-PCR is a fast pre-screening. We perform this PCR test directly on the seeds.

The disadvantage is that it is not possible to distinguish between live and dead pathogens, but is very suitable as a rapid pre-screening method.

Bacteria

The species Xanthomonas euvesicatoria pv. euvesicatoria, X. hortorum pv. gardneri, X. euvesicatoria pv. perforans and X. vesicatoria (formerly known as the X. campestris pv. vesicatoria complex) result in necrotic spots on all above ground plant parts and result in significant crop losses, primarily in tomato and pepper.

Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato causes dark specks on various parts of tomato plants and can result in stunted growth and yield losses in this crop.

Xanthomonas ‘bacterial spot’ SE-PCR on seeds of tomato, pepper or eggplant

Test code: COMBIXVEPGQ100
Sample size: 10.000 untreated seeds
Test fee: € 285
Duration test: 5 days

Combi Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, Xanthomonas ‘bacterial spot’ and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato SE-PCR on tomato seeds

Test code: COMBICPXQ100
Sample size: 10,000 untreated seeds
Test fee: € 362
Duration test: 5 days

Naktuinbouw Laboratories supports the sector

To support the sector, Naktuinbouw Laboratories continues to develop new tests that can support diagnoses on plants and seeds with symptoms or just checking for and guaranteeing absence from certain plant pathogens.

For basic fees see price list 2024.

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