Journal of Taiwan Agricultural Research

Author:Cheng- Ping Kuan*, Yi-Lin Chang, Ching-Shan Tseng, and Tso-Chi Yang

Abstract:

    Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) is a damaging pathogen for banana, its detection being of critical importance to certification programs for Taiwan and worldwide. Here we report a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay (qPCR) based on TaqMan^® chemistry to improve the diagnosis of this pathogen. Real-time PCR, targeting the amplification of CP gene fragment, was highly specific and capable of distinguishing BBTV from non-target banana viruses, Cucumber mosaic virus and Banana steak virus, which are two other common virus species in banana plants. The protocol was also evaluated for its specificity using healthy banana and water controls. None of the non-target or healthy samples reacted in qPCR. The developed technique is sensitive and reliable and allows rapid detection and quantitation of BBTV in both field and experimental material used for the surveillance and specific diagnosis of BBTV.

Key words:Banana bunchy top virus, BBTV, Detection

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