Development of qPCR Detection Assay for Potato Pathogen Pectobacterium atrosepticum Based on a Unique Target Sequence

The recent taxonomic diversification of bacterial genera Pectobacterium and Dickeya, which cause soft rot in plants, focuses attention on the need for improvement of existing methods for the detection and differentiation of these phytopathogens. This research presents a whole genome-based approach to the selection of marker sequences unique to particular species of Pectobacterium. The quantitative real-time PCR assay developed is selective in the context of all tested Pectobacterium atrosepticum strains and is able to detect fewer than 10(2) copies of target DNA per reaction. The presence of plant DNA extract did not affect the sensitivity of the assay.

Automated summary

The recent taxonomic diversification of bacterial genera Pectobacterium and Dickeya, which cause soft rot in plants, has highlighted the importance of improving detection and differentiation methods for these phytopathogens. This research used whole genome-based approach to select marker sequences unique to particular species of Pectobacterium and developed a quantitative real-time PCR assay with high sensitivity and selectivity for detection of target DNA in tested strains.