Timely detection and identification of plant pathogens is crucial for disease control. Culturing pathogens can be difficult and time consuming, particularly if multiple pathogens are present in a sample. This new macroarray can detect multiple pathogens in the same sample, and removes the necessity of culturing each pathogen. This has been extremely useful in the detection of multiple pathogens from field samples diagnosed by my laboratory, and we are now working to provide this tool to diagnosticians around the country. We have already worked with plant pathologists in California to aid them in production and use of macroarrays. In addition to pathogens known to attack vegetable crops in the United States, we included pathogens (such as potato wart) that are currently not present in the US. This technology will reduce the time necessary for diagnosis of plant diseases, and alert officials to new or emerging pests if they appear.
impact statement issue
An important part of our national plant biosecurity is to be able to rapidly diagnose known and emerging plant pathogens. Multi-pathogen detection systems are being developed to facilitate rapid diagnoses. The availability of these systems will complement and expand upon the resources of existing diagnostic networks.
impact statement response
We have developed a macroarray that can detect the majority of fungal and oomycete pathogens of tomato, potato, pepper and eggplant. A macroarray is a membrane-based detection method that utilizes small pieces of DNA (oligomoers) on the array, which are specific for individual pathogens. Our array has 141 oligomers and can detect 32 pathogens plus 12 different members of the Fusarium solani species complex. The entire processd (from receiving field sample to results in hand) takes 12 hours.
impact statement summary
We have developed a macroarray that can detect the majority of fungal and oomycete pathogens of tomato, potato, pepper and eggplant. A macroarray is a membrane-based detection method that utilizes small pieces of DNA (oligomoers) on the array, which are specific for individual pathogens. Our array has 141 oligomers and can detect 32 pathogens plus 12 different members of the Fusarium solani species complex. The entire method (from receiving field sample to results in hand) takes 12 hours. We have used the array on 37 different field samples, and can easily detect multiple pathogens from the same sample.
