Bulk sample testing with real-time PCR to detect Diaporthe destruens in sweet potato seedlings
摘要
Sweet potato foot rot is a serious fungal disease threatening production. For faster detection of the fungus, we adapted a real-time PCR method to test bulk samples simultaneously. We estimated the probability of detection (POD) and calculated optimal subgroup numbers and sample sizes. Lowest detection rate for the PCR was approximately 81% for tubers and 83% for stems. Based on a POD of 81%, required sample sizes were determined for the impermissible contamination thresholds of infected plants of 1% and 0.1%. This method supports efficient monitoring and sustainable production of sweet potatoes.