Abstract Detail

Population Genetics

Shamoun, Simon Francis [1], Hammett, Craig [2], Li, X [3].

Development of species-specific PCR primers and molecular diagnostic assay for the identification and differentiation of North American Heterobasidion spp.

Heterobasidion annosum sensu lato is a species complex of pathogenic white-rot wood decay fungi which cause root and butt rot in conifer stands across the Northern hemisphere. The disease is characterized by circles of dead trees that are difficult to diagnose early and remove from infected sites. There are two species in North America: H. irregulare and H. occidentale. While these species were generally differentiated through location and host there has been confusion due to overlapping distribution in the west, shared hosts such as Abies, Larix, and Thuja spp., and newly discovered hybrids. Accurate identification is important for phytosanitary reasons as each species has different virulence capacity and host range and could be especially damaging to new countries where host defence is not established. Recently we designed two sets of primers that bind specifically to conserved alleles in glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase and translation elongation factor 1α genes for H. irregulare and H. occidentale, respectively. These primers were able to quickly and effectively differentiate between the two species from fruiting bodies and infected wood. The effectiveness of these primers to diagnose infection on suspected stands, we tested these primers, as well as novel Taqman primers for specific and accurate detection of Heterobasidion. These primers are designed to identify trace amounts of Heterobasidion DNA from infected roots and wood of asymptomatic trees in an effort to manage infected sites. Recent focus is on disease management in western red cedar Thuja plicata wood products due to its high economic value to British Columbia.

1 - Canadian Forest Service, Pacific Forestry Centre , Natural Resources Canada, 506 West Burnside Road, Victoria, BC, V8Z 1M5, Canada
2 - University of British Columbia, Forest Sciences and Conservation, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
3 - Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Health Canada, 93 Mount Edward Road, Charlottetown, PEI, C1A 5T1, Canada

Keywords:
Heterobasidion root and butt rot
DNA diagnostic
Species-specific PCR primers
Phytosanitary and trade
White rot wood decay fungi.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics
Session: P
Location: Hall D/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2015
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PPG001
Abstract ID:285
Candidate for Awards:None