Rapid identification of Phytophthora ramorum using PCR-SSCP analysis of ribosomal DNA ITS-1.
OBJECTIVE
The primary objectives of this study were to determine if a single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis can be used for rapid identification of Phytophthora ramorum, an important quarantine plant pathogen worldwide, and to further assess the potential of the SSCP technique as a taxonomic tool for the genus Phytophthora.


RESULTS
SSCP of ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer 1 was characterized for 12 isolates of P. ramorum, using a recently reported protocol. The SSCP patterns of this species then were compared with those of 18 closely related Phytophthora species. Phytophthora ramorum had a unique pattern and was easily distinguished from genetically, morphologically and ecologically close relatives.


CONCLUSIONS
An immediate benefit of this study is provision of a highly effective and efficient identification tool for P. ramorum in the quarantine process.


CONCLUSIONS
This study also provides additional evidence demonstrating that the SSCP is an ideal DNA marker for species differentiation within the genus Phytophthora.
Kong
P
P
Department of Plant Pathology, Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia Beach, VA 23455, USA.
Hong
C X
CX
Tooley
P W
PW
Ivors
K
K
Garbelotto
M
M
Richardson
P A
PA
D021903:DNA, Ribosomal Spacer / Q000235:genetics; D010838:Phytophthora / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics; D010935:Plant Diseases / Q000382:microbiology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D018807:Polymorphism, Single-Stranded Conformational; D013045:Species Specificity; D013997:Time Factors
D021903:DNA, Ribosomal Spacer