DEVELOPING A MICROARRAY-PCR-BASED IDENTIFICATION AND DETECTION SYSTEM FOR XYLELLA FASTIDIOSA STRAINS IMPORTANT TO CALIFORNIA

• Author(s): Chen, Jianchi; Civerolo, Ed;
• Abstract: From the analysis of the 16S rDNA sequence of Xylella fastidiosa, we have identified four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The combination of these four SNPs placed all of the known X. fastidiosa strains into four groups. With a few exceptions, the four SNP groups are very similar to those based on other genetic analyses such as RAPD analysis, whole 16S rDNA sequence analysis, and the combination of phenotypic characterization, particularly pathogenicity tests. Of particular interest is the PD group. All eight PD strain 16S rDNA sequences from different labs clustered into the same group characterized by two SNPs. Utilizing the SNP information, primer sets, Teme150fc-Teme454rg, specific to PD strain group, and Dixon454fa-Dixon1261rg, specific to non-PD almond leaf scorch group, were designed. More than 200 X. fastidiosa strains isolated from California have been tested for the specificity of these SNPs and the results were quite consistent. A microarray system, initially based on the characteristic SNPs from the 16S rRNA locus, is under construction. Coupled with PCR using universal 16S rDNA primers, the microarray-PCR based system has a high potential for quick and accurate X. fastdiosa strain identification.
• Publication Date: Dec 2004
• Journal: 2004 Pierce's Disease Research Symposium