Related Experiment Videos
Pathogen testing and certification of Vitis and Prunus species
Adib Rowhani1, Jerry K Uyemoto, Deborah A Golino
1Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA. akrowhani@ucdavis.edu
Annual Review of Phytopathology
|August 5, 2005
Summary
Screening horticultural crops for viruses and phytoplasmas has improved. While molecular tests are advanced, biological indexing remains crucial for high-confidence pathogen detection in valuable plant germplasm.
Area of Science:
- Horticultural Science
- Plant Pathology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Graft-transmissible agents, including viruses and phytoplasmas, pose significant threats to horticultural crop health and productivity.
- Effective screening strategies are essential for maintaining the health of valuable plant germplasm.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and evaluate current strategies for screening horticultural crops for graft-transmissible agents.
- To compare biological indexing and laboratory-based assays for detecting viruses and phytoplasmas in Vitis and Prunus.
Main Methods:
- Detailed review of biological indexing procedures for Vitis and Prunus.
- Analysis of laboratory-based molecular assays for pathogen detection.
- Comparative assessment of detection confidence and efficiency.
Main Results:
- Significant advancements in screening strategies for horticultural crops have occurred over the past decade.
- Both biological indexing and molecular assays have roles in pathogen detection.
- Biological tests offer higher confidence for excluding pathogens from valuable germplasm.
Conclusions:
- Despite advances in molecular techniques, biological indexing remains vital for high-confidence detection of graft-transmissible pathogens.
- A combination of methods may be optimal for comprehensive screening programs.
- Continued use of biological tests is recommended for safeguarding valuable plant genetic resources.