Could DNA-Based Detection Technology Help Prevent Conifer Seed-Borne Pathogen Diseases?

Pathogens, often carried in seeds, can cause substantial economic losses to forest nurseries and put at risk the large investment in genetically selected seeds, as well as endanger reforestation efforts and, therefore, future forests. Mitigating plant health problems relies on rapid detection and identification of causal agents. Traditional detection protocols, however, rely on symptom manifestation, but many fungal pathogens exhibit a prolonged asymptomatic phase within their hosts. DNA-based detection assays based on the real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) are among the most accurate, rapid, and cost-effective methods for detecting pathogens at the species level. The development of a DNA detection system for seed-borne pathogens would increase accuracy and speed in determining if seedlots are contaminated above an acceptable level and would help forest nurseries to make cost-effective management decisions. This paper was presented at the 2019 Joint Annual Meeting of the Forest Nursery Association of British Columbia and the Western Forest and Conservation Nursery Associations (Sidney, BC, September 30-October 2, 2019).

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Author(s): Nicolas Feau, Joey B. Tanney, Richard C. Hamelin

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volume 63, Number 2 (2020)

Volume: 63

Number: 2