Summary: The objectives of this project were: 1. Design a LAMP reaction to detect small quantities of the fire blight pathogen based on primers from E. amylovora-specific DNA sequences. 2. Determine specificity and sensitivity of the designed LAMP reaction against a diverse selection of microorganisms commonly found in pear and apple orchards. 3. Determine the sensitivity of LAMP reaction when one flower with a natural infection of E. amylovora is added to 100 flower clusters. 4. Use the LAMP reaction to detect E. amylovora in flower samples from inoculated and non-inoculated orchard trees. 5. Use the LAMP reaction to detect E. amylovora in flower samples from commercial orchards. 6. Optimize sampling protocols for implementation by growers or farm service providers.
