Sampling and PCR method for detecting pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum strains in onion harvest

Fusarium basal rot causes serious problems in onion production. To minimize post-harvest losses, a simple protocol based on FTATM technology and a dual PCR test with Fusarium oxysporum species-specific and pathogenicity-specific primers was developed. By testing pooled onion samples using this method, latent infections with F. oxysporum can be screened from a representative sample of the harvest. This screening method could be a useful tool to manage the postharvest losses caused by latent infections with F. oxysporum and, with modification of the PCR protocol, with other Fusarium species pathogenic to onion