Chile tests kiwifruit orchards for Psa virus - FreshFruitPortal.com

Chile tests kiwifruit orchards for Psa virus

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Chile tests kiwifruit orchards for Psa virus

Chile is collecting kiwifruit vine samples from its orchards to test for the presence of the virulent Psa-V virus.

Scientists will examine vines using a molecular biology technique, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify particular plant DNA, as well as cross referencing this with biochemical tests.

Photo: SAG

The Southern Hemisphere spring tests follow earlier examinations conducted last autumn where two cases of Psa-V were detected in Longavi in the Maule Region.

A total of 1,882 samples were collected from nurseries and orchards in regions stretching from ValparaĆ­so to BĆ­o BĆ­o.

A representative from the Chilean KiwifruitĀ committee, said the research was conducted in conjunction with the Chilean Government's Agriculture and Livestock Service (SAG).

"We used a diagnostic protocol agreed on by experts to study the DNA in detail through PCR using two pairs of primers: PsaF1/PsaR2 and PsaF3/PSAr4."

However, he said the test in itself was not foolproof and needed to be corroborated with further biochemical tests.

"The mere use of the primers will not give a diagnosis with 100% reliability for the case of Psa-positive samples, but only refer to its possible presence," Ā he added.

SAG has set mandatory controls for the pest dubbed the "bacterial cancer of kiwifruit", through resolution 5655 followingĀ extensive outbreaks in Italy and New Zealand.

Photo:

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