Molecular detection of seedborne pathogenic fungi in soybean

• Grant number: 13/16726-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: April 01, 2014
• End date: September 30, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Plant Health
• Principal Investigator: Nelson Sidnei Massola Júnior
• Grantee: Nelson Sidnei Massola Júnior
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Maria Heloisa Duarte de Moraes

Abstract

Seedborne pathogenic fungi can cause severe losses to soybean crop due to the diseases they cause, as well as direct damage to the seeds such as lower germination, vigor and seedling emergence.The detection and accurate identification of pathogens is one of the most important strategies to start a preventive and curative control of plant diseases. To prevent the introduction and spread in pathogen-free areas, special attention should be placed to the detection of pathogens in seeds.Conventional methods, most commonly used to detect and identify fungi in seeds, are time consuming, laborious and require extensive knowledge of classical taxonomy. Molecular methods have been used to detect, identify and quantify a long list of pathogenic fungi. In general, these methods are faster, more specific, more sensitive and accurate. Moreover, they can be performed and interpreted by persons without specialized knowledge on taxonomy.The technique of real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is currently considered the most efficient to detect plant pathogens. Furthermore, the use of different fluorophores and probes in the technique may allow the use of multiplex qPCR, capable of detecting two or more pathogens in the same reaction.Considering the importance and implications of rapid and successful diagnosis of pathogens in soybean seeds, this study aims to establish a methodology to improve the efficiency of detection of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Colletotrichum truncatum, Phomopsis spp. and Corynespora cassiicola, commonly found in soybean, as well as to monitor their occurrence in the main soybean producing regions in Brazil by qPCR. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

RAMIRO, JULIANA; CIAMPI-GUILLARDI, MAISA; GOMES CALDAS, DANIELLE GREGORIO; DUARTE DE MORAES, MARIA HELOISA; GOLDONI BARBIERI, MARINA COAN; PEREIRA, WAGNER VICENTE; MASSOLA, JR., NELSON SIDNEI. Quick and accurate detection of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Phomopsis spp. in soybean seeds using qPCR and seed-soaking method. JOURNAL OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY, v. 167, n. 5, p. 273-282, MAY 2019. (13/16726-0)