TaqMan probe assays on different biological samples for the identification of three ambrosia beetle species, (Eichoff) (Motschulsky) and (Blandford) (Coleoptera Curculionidae Scolytinae).

Molecular assays based on qPCR TaqMan Probes were developed to identify three species of the genus , and (Coleoptera Curculionidae Scolytinae). These ambrosia beetles are xylophagous species alien to Europe, causing damages to many ornamental and fruiting trees as well as shrubs. DNA extraction was carried out from adults, larvae and biological samples derived from insect damages on infested plants.

A duplex real-time PCR with probe for simultaneous detection of Geosmithia morbida and its vector Pityophthorus juglandis.

The cultivation of walnuts (Juglans sp.) in Europe retains high economic, social, and environmental value. The recent reporting of the Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD) fungus, Geosmithia morbida, and of its vector, Pityophthorus juglandis, in walnut trees in Italy is alarming the whole of Europe.