Description
PATHOGEN INFORMATION
Phytoplasmas are dangerous phytopathogens that cause disease in a wide range of plant species. They are a large group of cell wall-deprived bacteria belonging to the class Mollicutes and are obligate intracellular parasites of phloem tissue. Phytoplasma infections often result in plant death and cause enormous damage to crop production worldwide. Some phytoplasmas (e.g. Candidatus Phytoplasma mali and Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri) are quarantine organisms for countries of the Eurasian Economic Union and countries belonging to the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organisation (EPPO).
ASSAY PRINCIPLE
«ALSENSE Phytoplasma sp.» Reagent kit allows detection of pathogen DNA by real-time PCR. The target for amplification is the 16S ribosomal RNA gene region of several phytoplasma species, among which the most relevant are Candidatus Phytoplasma mali, Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri, Candidatus Phytoplasma prunorum, Candidatus Phytoplasma meliae & Candidatus Phytoplasma hispanicum. The reagent kit is designed for real-time PCR using SybrGreen® dye.
SAMPLING RECOMMENDATIONS
«ALSENSE Phytoplasma sp.» Reagent kit is validated for the detection of Phytoplasma sp. by real-time PCR. It is recommended to use samples of shoots, petioles and midveins of leaves with disease symptoms for preliminary DNA extraction. Fresh plant tissue samples are optimal, but storage at minus 20 to minus 80 °C is acceptable.
