Development of a LAMP Method for Detecting SDHI Fungicide Resistance in Botrytis cinerea

Resistance to succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHI) in Botrytis cinerea is associated with point mutations in the target gene succinate dehydrogenase subunit B (SdhB). The substitution from histidine to arginine at codon 272 (H272R) is currently the predominant mutation in SDHI-resistant populations in B. cinerea worldwide. In order to monitor the development of resistance to SDHI, a rapid, simple, and efficient method with high specificity to the H272R point mutation was developed based on loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). To specifically detect the H272R mutation, a set of four primers was designed based on the sequence of SdhB, and the LAMP reaction was optimized. When SYBR Green I was added after reaction, only samples with the H272R mutation showed the color change (from brown to fluorescent yellow), indicating that this set of primers could successfully discriminate the H272R genotype from other genotypes. Specificity and accuracy tests showed that this LAMP assay had high specificity and accuracy. Moreover, the LAMP method was further simplified with fungal mycelia and conidia as the amplification template which could be prepared within 5 min. Due to the low cost, simplicity, high efficiency, and specificity, the developed LAMP assay may contribute to the monitoring of resistance development to SDHI in B. cinerea, especially in field and high-throughput experiments.