Development of a molecular assay for screening post-harvest pathogens of apple and pear
Author: Peter Sholberg, Karen Bedford and Dan O’Gorman
Published: 2004
Summary: The objectives of this project were: 1. The objectives of this study were to develop: a) a PCR assay and b) a diagnostic DNA array for post harvest pathogens of apple and pear based on the β-tubulin gene that will allow rapid recognition of post-harvest pathogens, simultaneously recognize fungicide resistant strains, and quantitative assessment of pathogens in diverse samples. 2. In 2002-2003 the objectives were to develop the specific primers and probes for PCR and DNA array assays through extraction, amplification, sequencing of the β-tubulin gene, alignment of sequences, primer and probe design, and testing of designed primers and probes for cross-reactivity and specificity. 3. In 2003-2004 the objectives were to conduct direct testing of diverse samples using the designed assays and to refine the assays to provide quantification of post-harvest pathogens.
