Real-time PCR test for the identification and detection of Deuterophoma tracheiphila
Mal secco, caused by Deuterophoma tracheiphila (EPPO A2 List) is a severe disease of lemon (Citrus limon) and other citrus trees. A real-time PCR test using specific primers was developed in Italy and compared with conventional PCR. Both PCR tests successfully detected D. tracheiphila in woody samples of naturally infected lemon trees and artificially inoculated sour orange (C. aurantium) seedlings, but real-time PCR was 10 to 20-fold more sensitive than conventional PCR and allowed a quantitative monitoring of the fungus in plant tissues.
Sources
Licciardello G, Grasso FM, Bella P, Cirvilleri G, Grimaldi V, Catara V (2006) Identification and detection of Phoma tracheiphila, causal agent of citrus mal secco disease, by real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction. Plant Disease 89(12), 1523-1530.