Multilocus Characterization, Gene Expression Analysis of Putative Immunodominant Protein Coding Regions, and Development of Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Assay for Detection of ' Phytoplasma Pruni' in .

Western X (WX) disease, caused by ' Phytoplasma pruni', is a devastating disease of sweet cherry resulting in the production of small, bitter-flavored fruits that are unmarketable. Escalation of WX disease in Washington State prompted the development of a rapid detection assay based on recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) to facilitate timely removal and replacement of diseased trees. Here, we report on a reliable RPA assay targeting putative immunodominant protein coding regions that showed comparable sensitivity to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in detecting ' Phytoplasma pruni' from crude sap of sweet cherry tissues.

A rapid isothermal assay for the detection of Hop stunt viroid in hop plants (Humulus lupulus), and its application in disease surveys.

Hop stunt disease caused by Hop stunt viroid (HSVd) is a growing threat to hop cultivation globally. HSVd spreads mainly by use of contaminated planting material and by mechanical means. Thorough testing of hop yards and removal of infected bines are critical components of efforts to control the spread of the disease.