Real-time PCR and its application for rapid plant disease diagnostics

TLDR

Rapid‑cycle real‑time PCR methods may revolutionize plant pathogen identification and disease diagnosis by leveraging abundant genomic data to design highly specific primers and fluorescent probes that target unique pathogen genome regions. Advantages and disadvantages of rapid real‑time PCR for detecting bacterial, fungal, and viral plant pathogens are described. The method uses genomics‑driven primer and probe design and portable real‑time PCR instruments that enable field‑based diagnostic assays. Rapid real‑time PCR diagnosis yields faster, more accurate control or eradication measures, minimizing disease losses and reducing control costs compared to traditional pathogen isolation.

Abstract

Rapid-cycle real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods may revolutionize the manner in which plant pathogens are identified and diseases are diagnosed. As the genomics age progresses and more and more DNA sequence data become available, highly specific primers and fluorescent probe sequences can be designed to yield target amplicons to unique regions of a pathogen's genome. Portable real-time PCR instruments described here are now allowing for diagnostic assays to be run directly in the field or at remote locations other than the standard diagnostic laboratory. Rapid real-time PCR diagnosis can result in appropriate control measures and (or) eradication procedures more quickly and accurately than traditional methods of pathogen isolation. Disease losses are minimized and control costs reduced. Advantages and disadvantages of rapid real-time PCR for the detection of bacterial, fungal, and viral plant pathogens are described.