Scientific Reports (2022) 12 (13089)

Kelsey J. Andrews, Rachelle Bester, Aruna Manrakhan and Hans J. Maree (2022)
A multiplex PCR assay for the identification of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) of economic importance in South Africa
Scientific Reports 12 (13089)
Abstract: The fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) species, Ceratitis capitata, Ceratitis cosyra, Ceratitis rosa, Ceratitis quilicii, and Bactrocera dorsalis are of economic importance in South Africa. These agricultural pests cause extensive damage to a range of commercially produced fruit, primarily for export. These pests are of phytosanitary significance, and their presence in fruit-producing regions in South Africa has led to restrictions in export trade of fresh produce. Accurate identification of these flies, particularly at immature stages intercepted in fruit consignments originating from South Africa, is essential but remains an ongoing challenge. A rapid and accurate identification assay to differentiate these five species is needed for inspection and pest surveillance. High throughput sequencing data were generated for each of the five fruit fly species, and five sets of species-specific primers were designed for use in a multiplex PCR. Each primer set amplifies an amplicon of a different size for each species allowing for accurate identification. PCR sensitivity tests demonstrate that the limit of detection for this assay is 10 ng and 4 ng of DNA when extracted from larvae and adult specimens, respectively. The assay developed can be applied in fruit inspection and survey activities within the country and at ports of entry.
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Full text of article
Database assignments for author(s): Aruna Manrakhan

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
identification/taxonomy
surveys/sampling/distribution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Bactrocera dorsalis	Mango (Mangifera indica)	South Africa
	Ceratitis capitata	Coffee (Coffea)	South Africa
	Ceratitis rosa	Eugenia/Syzygium (genera)	South Africa
	Ceratitis cosyra		South Africa
	Ceratitis quilicii	Feijoa (Acca sellowiana)	South Africa