A species-specific, nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based detection assay, using two primer sets designed from the rRNA ITS region, was developed for Puccinia psidii. Detection sensitivities of one urediniospore alone, or one or two urediniospores in the presence of pollen or leaf tissues, respectively, were observed. The assay reliably, accurately and sensitively detected the rust from naturally infected, geographically widespread eucalypt and fruit tree plantation and nursery species from diverse tissues types (e.g. leaves, flowers, fruits, pollen, seeds and woody material) including symptomless or cryptically contaminated plants or plant tissue. Independent testing in Brazil and Australia demonstrated the international inter-laboratory transferability of the P. psidii assay required for germplasm screening, disease monitoring and quarantine and incursion management, towards which the assay has already been employed.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	Corymbia, ITS rRNA, nested PCR, Psidium guajava, quarantine, Syzygium jambos
Research Division:	Agricultural, Veterinary and Food Sciences
Research Group:	Forestry sciences
Research Field:	Forest health and pathology
Objective Division:	Plant Production and Plant Primary Products
Objective Group:	Forestry
Objective Field:	Native forests
UTAS Author:	Glen, M (Dr Morag Glen)
ID Code:	96369
Year Published:	2008
Web of Science® Times Cited:	37
Deposited By:	Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
Deposited On:	2014-11-03
Last Modified:	2014-11-06
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