Comparative genomics reveals signature regions used to develop a robust and sensitive multiplex TaqMan real-time qPCR assay to detect the genus Dickeya and Dickeya dianthicola

Shefali Dobhal; Gamze Boluk; Brooke Babler; Michael J. Stulberg; John Rascoe; Mark Nakhla; Toni A. Chapman; Alex B. Crockford; Michael Melzer; Anne M. Alvarez; Mohammad Arif

In conclusion, we developed a highly sensitive, robust, accurate, reproducible and specific multiplex TaqMan qPCR based on the whole genome comparative genomics approach, to simultaneously detect Dickeya species and D. dianthicola. To our knowledge, this is the only multiplex TaqMan qPCR to simultaneously detect genus Dickeya and D. dianthicola. The potato industry involves the global exchange of plant propagative materials; this tool will allow diagnosticians and certification agencies/labs to quickly test and identify the pathogen from pure culture and/or infected plant samples to prevent the dissemination of the disease to uninfected areas. Practical applications of the developed assay were demonstrated in rapid and large-scale screening of potato samples for certification purposes. This tool can also be utilized for the phytosanitary, disease epidemiology and management purposes.