European collaborative studies for the validation of PCR‐based detection tests targeting regulated fungi and oomycetes

Abstract

In 2007, the mycology unit of the French plant protection laboratory (LNPV‐UMAF) organized and launched four collaborative studies for the validation of detection protocols targeting the regulated oomycetes Phytophthora ramorum, P. fragariae/P. rubi, Plasmopara halstedii and the fungus Monilia fructicola. The participants were recruited through the European Mycological Network (EMN). All four protocols were based on species‐specific PCR tests already published in the scientific literature and, except for Pl. halstedii, combined a detection test and a confirmation of detection test. For each target organism, we evaluated the performance of protocols, i.e. accuracy, qualitative repeatability and qualitative reproducibility, by a statistical analysis of the results obtained by the 16 participant laboratories with a series of 10 blinded samples. As demonstrated by the collaborative trials results, all four detection protocols were shown to be fit for the purpose of regulatory compliance. The collaborative trial appears a powerful tool to evaluate the performance of a detection method, and is of special interest to laboratories employing a quality assurance system.