ARS | Publication request: Development of primers and probes for detection of citrus "Candidatus Liberibacter species" by real-time PCR

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: March 15, 2010
Publication Date: June 1, 2010
Citation: Govindarajulu, A., Choudhary, N., Hartung, J.S., Schneider, W.L., Brlansky, R.H. 0200. Development of primers and probes for detection of citrus "Candidatus Liberibacter species" by real-time PCR. Phytopathology 100(6):S42.

Technical Abstract: Citrus huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening is the most threatening bacterial disease of Citrus spp. Three uncultured Candidatus Liberibacter spp. are usually detected by conventional PCR or real-time PCR using species specific primers and probes based on the 16S rRNA gene. Recent molecular analyses suggest that the rpoB gene (encoding the ß-subunit of RNA polymerase), is useful for bacterial identification. We report the design of a pair of degenerate primers and probe in the rpoB region and its application for the detection of the three Liberibacter species (Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus, Ca. L. africanus and Ca. L. americanus). In addition, a multiplex format was standardized and applied to detect all three species. This one step real-time PCR diagnostic method is reliable for the detection of Liberibacter infection regardless of species. This method also may be useful to detect unidentified Liberibacter species in citrus.