Plant Pathology (2007) 56, 251-256

D. Ruano-Rosa, L. Schena, A. Ippolito and C.J. López-Herrera (2007)
Comparison of conventional and molecular methods for the detection of Rosellinia necatrix in avocado orchards in southern Spain
Plant Pathology 56 (2), 251-256
Abstract: White root rot, caused by Rosellinia necatrix, is one of the most important diseases in avocado orchards and is particularly widespread on the Mediterranean seaboard of southern Spain. In this study, the presence of the pathogen in soil samples collected from the base of 47 plants showing different symptoms of canopy decline was assessed with a molecular detection method based on real-time Scorpion PCR. Results were compared with symptoms in the canopy and with the traditional method of isolation of R. necatrix from roots and/or bark. The fungus was isolated from 24 samples by the traditional method and from 37 soil samples by the molecular method (cycle threshold values 25·8 to 47·1), demonstrating the higher sensitivity and reliability of the molecular method. A single real-time PCR amplification was sufficient to detect R. necatrix in naturally infested soils. The avoidance of nested PCR has important practical implications because of the reduced costs and risk of cross contamination. Also, it enables faster sample analysis and is more appropriate for quantitative detection. A modified molecular method was also developed to detect R. necatrix in roots and in soils with very low populations of the pathogen.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Leonardo Schena, Carlos J. Lopez-Herrera, Antonio Ippolito

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.
	Dematophora necatrix	Avocado (Persea americana)	Spain (continental)