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

Summary in the original language of the document

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.