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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Hilo, Hawaii » Daniel K. Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center » Tropical Plant Genetic Resources and Disease Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #345443
Title: Real-time PCR assays to detect and distinguish the rapid 'Ohi'a death pathogens Ceratocystis lukuohia and Ceratocystis huliohia

Author
item HELLER, WADE - University Of Hawaii
item Keith, Lisa

Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/6/2018
Publication Date: 10/17/2018
Citation: Heller, W., Keith, L.M. 2018. Real-time PCR assays to detect and distinguish the rapid 'Ohi'a death pathogens Ceratocystis lukuohia and Ceratocystis huliohia. Phytopathology. 108(12):1395-1401. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-09-17-0311-R.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-09-17-0311-R

Interpretive Summary: A molecular diagnostic assay was developed for the detection of Ceratocystis lukuohia and Ceratocystis huliohia, two recently identified pathogens of ohia (Metrosideros polymorpha), and the causative agents of Rapid Ohia Death.

Technical Abstract: Here we present molecular diagnostic assays for the detection of Ceratocystis lukuohia and Ceratocystis huliohia, two recently identified pathogens of ohia (Metrosideros polymorpha), and the causative agents of Rapid Ohia Death. These assays are suitable for detection of fungal DNA from extracts of wood, soil, and insect material, and do not cross react with Ceratocystis fimbriata, a widely distributed pathogen of sweet potato, also present in Hawaii. The molecular tests are important tools for monitoring and mapping disease spread, and are also a key component of the Early Detection, Rapid Response effort, which utilizes routine aerial surveys to identify suspected disease outbreaks in priority management areas. They offer a significant advantage over culture based methods for diagnostics, requiring <1 day to arrive at definitive results.