Rapid detection of 5 fungal diseases in sunflower (Helianthus annuus) using dual priming oligonucleotide system-based multiplex PCR and capillary electrophoresis.

Abstract

Rapid and accurate diagnosis of fungal pathogens is essential for disease control in sunflower. In the present study, a multiplex PCR assay was developed based on the dual priming oligonucleotide (DPO) system, which was used to simultaneously detect and identify five major sunflower fungal pathogens. There was no cross-reactivity among the pathogens tested. In each reaction, 0.1 ng genomic DNA templates were sufficient to ensure specificity and accuracy. The system exhibited high adaptability over a wide range of annealing temperatures. No mismatch or nonspecific amplification was observed in the annealing temperatures tested. In combination with capillary electrophoresis, the DPO-primer-based multiplex PCR system provides a rapid, reliable and cost-efficient solution for the diagnosis of fungal pathogens in sunflower.