A real time loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RealAmp) assay for rapid detection of Pleurostoma richardsiae in declining olive plants

Pleurostoma richardsiae is associated with host trunk diseases, known to cause dieback, cankers and wilting of woody trees, human infections. This fungus was isolated from wood tissues declining olive trees grapevines showing esca disease symptoms, in the Apulia region Italy. Fungus detection has been based on morphological molecular features, which are time-consuming identify require well-trained personnel. Improvement Pl. achieved through development real time loop-mediated isothermal amplification targeting intergenic spacer (IGS) fungus. Specificity assay confirmed using ten strains 36 other species usually trees. The limit 7.5 × 10-2 ng ?L-1 genomic DNA. A preliminary validation RealAmp also performed material infected plants artificially inoculated a greenhouse.