Specific detection of Phytophthora cinnamomi in soil
A rapid, sensitive and specific detection method for Phytophthora cinnamomi (EU Annexe II/B) in soil, has been developed in Australia. The method is based on the phenomenon of chemotaxis and electrotaxis to attract zoospores of this soil-borne pathogen, placed in solution, to a membrane attached to a plastic dipstick and to detect them with monoclonal antibodies. This dipstick immunoassay has been used successfully to detect P. cinnamomi from a wide range of soil samples (laterites, clays, loams, sands etc.) collected from beneath a diverse range of host plants (avocados, eucalyptus, chestnuts, walnut etc.). The assay is as sensitive as a bait plant test and is quantitative. The authors concluded that this method, which does not require expert knowledge of Phytophthora taxonomy nor infected plant tissue, could be used as a detection kit in the field.
Sources
Cahill, D.M.; Hardham, A.R. (1994) A dipstick immunoassay for the specific detection of Phytophthora cinnamomi in soils.
Phytopathology, 84 (11), 1284-1292.