Skip to main content
ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Salinas, California » Crop Improvement and Protection Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #291692
Title: Real-time PCR and spore trap-based detection of the downy mildew pathogen, Peronospora effusa

Author
item Klosterman, Steven
item MCROBERTS, NEIL - University Of California
item KOIKE, STEVEN - University Of California - Cooperative Extension Service
item SUBBARAO, KRISHNA - University Of California
item VOGLMAYR, HERMANN - University Of Vienna
item THINES, MARCO - Biodiversity And Climate Research Centre (BIK-F)
item Martin, Frank

Submitted to: Acta Phytopathologica Sinica
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/26/2013
Publication Date: 8/25/2013
Citation: Klosterman, S.J., McRoberts, N., Koike, S.T., Subbarao, K.V., Voglmayr, H., Thines, M., Martin, F.N. 2013. Real-time PCR and spore trap-based detection of the downy mildew pathogen, Peronospora effusa. Acta Phytopathologica Sinica. 43 (supplement):297.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Peronospora effusa is an obligate pathogen and the causal agent of downy mildew on spinach. The pathogen can be dispersed by splashing rain and wind, and may overwinter as oospores. Outbreaks of downy mildew on spinach are common in the cool climate of central coastal California, including the Salinas Valley. The objective of this research was to develop a DNA-based assay for detection and quantification of P. effusa primarily for use in spore trap-based detection of airborne inoculum. A real-time PCR Taqman assay was developed using a DNA template of the intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal DNA. Probe and primer sets were tested for specific detection of P. effusa with DNA derived from P. effusa and related oomycete species. Samples from spore traps in the Salinas Valley tested positive for detection of P. effusa using the ITS primers. Specific detection and quantification of P. effusa in airborne samples may be helpful to develop an early warning system for downy mildew outbreaks on spinach in the Salinas Valley, California.