The recently completed CRCNPB funded project (CRC40135) “Improved Post Entry Quarantine Diagnostics” has developed a diagnostic protocol to detect at least 40 known and unknown potyvirus species (Zheng et al., 2010). The potyviruses are one of the most economically important plant virus groups with a wide geographical distribution and include several pathogens that are listed as biosecurity risks to Australian agricultural industries (e.g. Plum pox virus which poses a major threat to the stone fruit and almond industries).

Research outcomes

To ensure end user engagement by federal and state plant diagnostic laboratories in Australia and New Zealand, this protocol has been submitted to the Sub-committee for Plant health Diagnostic Standards (SPHDS) for ratification.

This is the first protocol for the detection of a group of target organisms (e.g. potyviruses) to be ratified by SPHDS and will be used at the border to test material for both known and unknown potyviruses. 

Research implications

It is envisaged that a SPHDS approved diagnostic protocol for potyvirus detection will demonstrate a degree of quality assurance to plant diagnostic laboratories in Australia and New Zealand that will facilitate the uptake and application of this diagnostic tool on a day-to-day basis.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Gerard Clover (MAF Biosecurity New Zealand), and Laurene Levy (USDA APHIS PPQ CPHST NPGBL, MD, USA) for trailing the degenerate primers for potyvirus detection in their labs. The Vic DPI and the CRCNPB supported the development of this diagnostic tool over the past five years.