Recommendations from Euphresco projects
The following research project has recently been carried out in the framework of Euphresco (network for phytosanitary research coordination and funding - hosted by EPPO). A report presenting the main objectives and results of this project, as well as recommendations made can be viewed on the Euphresco website.
Set up of reliable detection protocols for the specific identification of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma phoenicium’ (DIPCAPP)
‘Candidatus Phytoplasma phoenicium’ strains are the etiological agents of a lethal disease named almond witches’ broom. ‘Ca. P. phoenicium’ is reported from Lebanon and Iran where it is widespread in areas where Prunus hosts are grown. Recently, ‘Ca. P. phoenicium’ has also been detected on almond plants in Southeastern Italy. The DIPCAPP project contributed to the identification of the most suitable protocol for the detection of ‘Ca. P. phoenicium’. Six different tests, all based on the amplification of genomic fragments that are either shared by all phytoplasmas or specific to ‘Ca. P. phoenicium’, were selected for a test performance study. Results showed that the conventional PCR from Jawhari, et al., 2015 and the real-time PCR from Jawhari, et al., 2015 are the best tests for the detection of the pathogen: (i) they are faster than other tests (e.g. nested-PCRs which require two consecutive PCR reactions), and (ii) they are easier to perform than other tests (e.g. restricted fragment length polymorphism analysis which requires specific skills for correct interpretation). Among these methods conventional PCR is the most easily accessible to laboratories worldwide as it does not require expensive instruments.
Duration of the project: 2018-06-01 to 2020-05-31.
Authors: Bianco, Piero Attilio; Mehle, Natasa; Loiseau, Marianne; Ferretti, Luca; Jawdah, Yusuf Abou; Siampour, Majid; Shneyder, Yuri.
Link: https://zenodo.org/record/5075511#.YOgHbugzaUl
Sources
Euphresco (2021-07). https://www.euphresco.net/projects/