01448nas a2200193 4500008004100000245011800041210006900159260001800228300001400246490000700260520077400267100001501041700001701056700001901073700002001092700001301112700001601125856011301141 2015 eng d00aAn improved method for qPCR detection of three Phytophthora spp. in forest and woodland soils in northern Britain0 aimproved method for qPCR detection of three Phytophthora spp in cDecember 2015 a537–5390 v453 a
Using TaqMan qPCR assays, DNA of P. ramorum, P. kernoviae and P. austrocedri was detected in 500 g soil samples collected from twelve infected forest and woodland sites in northern Britain. Phytophthora DNA was also amplified in soil adhering to boots after walking transects along footpaths or animal trails. At two sites, Phytophthora DNA was detected in soil over a 4-year period following removal of infected hosts. This new method enabling assessment of larger quantities of soil demonstrates the contamination risk of these pathogens in soil at infected sites and improves our understanding of the mechanisms of persistence and spread.