ARS | Publication request: RUST FUNGI-SHIFTY PATHOGENS: MOLECULAR METHODS FOR RAPID DETECTION AND IDENTIFICATION

Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: June 1, 2005
Publication Date: June 1, 2005
Citation: Szabo, L.J., Barnes, C.W. 2005. Rust fungi-shifty pathogens: molecular methods for rapid detection and identification. Phytopathology. 95:S166.

Technical Abstract: In recent years there has been a growing interest in the development of molecular methods for the rapid detection and identification of rust fungi. In part, this has been driven by an increased concern about crop biosecurity and the recent spread of economically important rust pathogens. Real-time PCR assays using TaqMan probes have been developed for cereal and grass rusts including stem rust (Puccinia graminis), stripe rust (P. striiformis), crown rust (P. coronata), and leaf rust (P. recondita and P. triticina). These assays are species specific and work with either isolated spores or infected plant material. Assays are linear over four orders of magnitude and can detect DNA levels equivalent to 10 urediniospores. A rust-specific internal standard has been developed as an internal control. In addition, this technology provides new tools for properly identifying rust samples when the characteristic spores (teliospores) and host information are not available.