Sampling and PCR method for detecting pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum strains in onion harvest

Summary

Fusarium basal rot causes serious problems in onion production.
To minimize post-harvest losses, a simple protocol based on FTATM technology and a dual PCR test with
Fusarium oxysporum species-specific and pathogenicity-specific primers was developed. By testing
pooled onion samples using this method, latent infections with F. oxysporum can be screened from a
representative sample of the harvest. This screening method could be a useful tool to manage the postharvest
losses caused by latent infections with F. oxysporum and, with modification of the PCR protocol,
with other Fusarium species pathogenic to onion.