Starting in 2025, we will gradually replace virus ELISA tests on plant material with PCR tests.
For the crops in the table below, we have already replaced the tests. It is only possible to request a PCR test for these crops.
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 virus PCR tests we use three different sample size:
- Up to 2 leaves
- Up to 10 leaves
- Up to 25 leaves
Please check the Price list Testing & Analyses for the current prices.
Instructions for submitting leaf or stem material
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- Ideally we would like to receive your material by no later than the Wednesday before the week of the test.
- Please do not send material on a Friday as it cannot be processed over the weekend.
- For potyvirus testing, we require double the amount of material.
- The samples must be individually packed and labeled. For ELISA and PCR test, please take a look at the manual.
- The material must be packed in a closed outer bag or box. This is important to make sure that your samples will not be in touch with other samples.
- Please state the sender on the box.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Which tests does Naktuinbouw perform?
You will find our current portfolio in the Price list Testing & Analyses. For vegetable crops, which tests we can perform is stated per crop. For plant material, a separate chapter lists which tests are available.
Can Naktuinbouw test for CLVd, PCFVd, PSTVd, TASVd, TCDVd and TPMVd?
When Pospiviroids test are requested, the seeds are tested for the following viroids:
- Columnea latent viroid (CLVd)
- Pepper chat fruit viroid (PCFVd)
- Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd)
- Tomato apical stunt viroid (TASVd)
- Tomato chlorotic dwarf viroid (TCDVd)
- Tomato planta macho viroid (TPMVd)
If plant material is submitted, in addition to the viroids above-mentioned, tests are also performed for:
- Chrysanthemum stunt viroid (CSVd)
- Iresine viroid 1 (IrVd)
- Portulaca latent viroid (PoLVd)
Can Naktuinbouw test for phytoplasmas?
A generic PCR test is available for testing for phytoplasmas. This can detect the following phytoplasmas:
- Apple proliferation phytoplasma; syn. Candidatus Phytoplasma mali
- Apricot chlorotic leafroll mycoplasma
- Aster yellows
- Elm phloem necrosis
- Elm yellows
- European stone fruit yellows; syn. Candidatus Phytoplasma prunorum
- Peach rosette phytoplasma
- Peach X disease phytoplasma
- Peach yellows phytoplasma
- Pear decline phytoplasma
- Pear decline phytoplasma; syn. Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri
- Potato stolbur
- Rubus stunt
- Strawberry green petal phytoplasma
- Strawberry witches’ broom
- Yellow decline of Lavendula
The country requirements for Australia state that specific PCR methods must be used to test for Xylella.
The Harper and Quyang method are both used to test for Xylella. Both are required by Australia. This means that our protocol complies with Australian requirements.
Can Naktuinbouw identify which disease my plants have?
Samples with symptoms are tested by the Diagnostics department. Various techniques are used to detect and identify which pathogen is present. If you already suspect which pathogen(s) may be present, a specific test for those pathogens is also possible.
I cannot find my test in the price list. Can you still perform it?
The Price list Testing & Analyses states our standard portfolio of tests. For export purposes, some countries require tests for which no validated protocol is available. In exceptional cases, based on our experience and knowledge of crops and pathogens, we can create a customised test. If the test proceeds as expected, the result can be used for export purposes.
To request a test, please contact the Front Office of the laboratory.