Development of SCAR markers and PCR assays for single or simultaneous species-specific detection of Phytophthora nicotianae and Pythium helicoides in ebb-and-flow irrigated kalanchoe.

Phytophthora nicotianae and Pythium helicoides are important water-borne oomycete pathogens of irrigated ornamentals particularly ebb-and-flow irrigated kalanchoe in Japan. We developed novel PCR-based sequence characterized amplified region markers and assays for rapid identification and species-specific detection of both pathogens in separate PCR reactions or simultaneously in a duplex PCR.

Application of sequence-independent amplification (SIA) for the identification of RNA viruses in bioenergy crops.

Miscanthus x giganteus, energycane, and Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) are three potential biomass crops being evaluated for commercial cellulosic ethanol production. Viral diseases are potentially significant threats to these crops. Therefore, identification of viruses infecting these bioenergy crops is important for quarantine purposes, virus resistance breeding, and production of virus-free planting materials.

Effects of hydrostatic pressure, agitation and CO2 stress on Phytophthora nicotianae zoospore survival.

Background: Phytophthora nicotianae Breda de Haan is a common pathogen of ornamental plants in recycled irrigation systems. In a previous study, annual vinca (Catharanthus roseus Don) inoculated with zoospore suspensions using a CO(2)-pressurized sprayer had less foliage blight than plants inoculated using a hand sprayer. Here, the impact of hydrostatic pressure, agitation and aeration with CO(2) on the survival of P.

A simple in-vitro 'wet-plate' method for mass production of Phytophthora nicotianae zoospores and factors influencing zoospore production.

A simple in-vitro 'wet-plate' method for mass-producing Phytophthora nicotianae zoospores at > or =1.0 x 10(6) zoospores/ml is described. Temperature critically affected zoospore production; 22 degrees C was optimum, while 36 degrees C was completely inhibitory.