Validation of a specific PCR screening test for Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii in maize (Zea mays) samples. (13th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nechwatal, J.; Friedrich‐Zorn, M.; Theil, S.; Gebauer, P.; Wensing, A.
• Is Part Of: Bulletin OEPP. Volume 48:Number 1(2018)
• Page Start: 78
• Page End: 85
• Publication Date: 2018-03-13
• Subjects: Plant diseases -- Periodicals; Plants, Protection of -- Periodicals
• DOI: 10.1111/epp.12448
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0250-8052

Abstract

Abstract : Validation data is presented for a conventional PCR test that specifically detects the quarantine pathogen Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii in maize leaf and seed samples and does not cross‐react with the non‐pathogenic P. stewartii subsp. indologenes . The PCR tests currently recommended by the EPPO Diagnostic Protocol PM 7/60 (2) for initial screening bear the risk of false positives as they detect both subspecies of P. stewartii . The test presented here has high analytical sensitivity (10 2 cells mL –1 in leaf extracts, at least 10 3 cells mL −1 in seed extracts), high repeatability and high reproducibility and performed well on the two matrices tested: maize seed and leaf extract. Its improved analytical specificity and analytical sensitivity compared to the currently recommended tests lead the authors to suggest that this test should be included as a first screening test in the diagnostic protocol for P. stewartii subsp. stewartii when it is next revised.