Taking PDplus™ into the field

Identification of Phytophthora ramorum and kernoviae with the innovative PDplus™ service was launched in 2008.  New field trials are underway to extend the range of sample types in which these pathogens can be identified.  Designed initially for identification of four Phytophthora species in ‘soft’ plant tissues, trials are in progress to improve the detection rate in woody samples.

Forsite is working with East Staffordshire Borough Council in the UK to widen the range of tissues from which P. ramorum and kernoviae can be identified with PDplus™.  Woody samples of various trees and shrubs from the environment will be taken and tested first with the Phytophthora lateral flow device (LFD) to confirm the presence of Phytophthora.  Positive LFDs will be sent to the laboratory for PCR analysis of the DNA on the strip to identify the species of Phytophthora present. Compounds in wood and bark present technical challenges for the PCR specialists, and this study aims to explore how the performance of the PCR stage can be improved.