New Seed-Extract PCR (SE-PCR) tests for lettuce

Publicationdate: 15 januari 2024

As part of third country requirements, testing protocols have been developed and validated to determine the presence or absence of Xanthomonas hortorum pv. vitians (Xhv) and Pseudomonas cichorrii (PsChi) on lettuce seeds. For these tests is chosen for the fast, reliable and sensitive seed-extract PCR (SE-PCR) method.

The SE-PCR is a technique for rapid DNA screening for the presence of pathogens

Plating assays consist of serial tests which is time consuming, but the SE-PCR is a fast pre-screening. In this test DNA is extracted from the seeds and a PCR test done directly on it.

Next to the speed, another advantage is that SE-PCR has less interference from overgrowth by other micro-organisms on the seeds, as it can be the case with plating on selective media where is looked at the growth of pathogens. 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.

Combi Xhv or PsChi on lettuce seeds

Method: seed-extract PCR
Sample: 10.000 untreated seeds
Rate test: € 184
Duration test: 4 days

For basic rates, see the price list 2024.

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