PCR‐based sensitive and specific detection of <i>Pectobacterium atrosepticum</i> using primers based on <i>Rhs</i> family gene sequences

Abstract

A sensitive and specific assay was developed to detect potato blackleg caused by Pectobacterium atrosepticum in potato. Primers PEAF and PEAR from the Rhs family gene homologous to RhsA (cell envelope biogenesis – outer membrane) were used to amplify a 904 bp DNA fragment. PCR was used to detect the pathogen in artificially inoculated potato seed tubers. The PCR product was only produced from 12 isolates of P. atrosepticum from various countries among 36 isolates of other species of Pectobacterium , Pseudomonas , Xanthomonas , as well as Escherichia coli and the soilborne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. dianthi .