FAIR CT 97-3889: Health certification of rosaceous species based on disease-indexing of in vitro plants: Validation of diagnostics and diagnostic strategies

Aim of the project FAIR CT 97-3889 was to develop and assess broad spectrum and specific assays for detection of filamentous, bacilliform and nematode-transmitted viruses and phytoplasmas to be used in tissue culture laboratories involved in the production of certified elite propagation material. The methodology to be used for broad-spectrum and/or specific detection tests (RT-PCR, PCR-ELISA, NASBA) is based on the amplification of the pathogen genome. Elimination procedures, such as meristem culture, heat therapy, and combinations thereof, were compared to evaluate their efficiency to eliminate recalcitrant pathogens. The release of fruit plant cultivars to fruit plant growers takes several years until all known as well as diseases of unknown etiology related with a plant species are checked by indexing methods currently in use ("base line" tests are carried out in the field with woody indicators). The combination of disease elimination and disease-indexing on in vitro plants, using reliable laboratory diagnostics, would considerably reduce the efforts and contribute to savings of time, money and labour and constitutes a considerable step forward to avoid disease spread and to allow safe commercial transactions of propagating plant material.