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A high-performing detection method is essential to safeguard those countries that are still unaffected by canker stain, a devastating disease of Platanus spp. caused by Ceratocystis platani. We previously developed EvaGreen and Taqman-based Real-Time PCR to detect this pathogen, but in-depth validation is needed to guarantee users about its effectiveness and promote its utilization. In this work we present a validation study designed according to EPPO standards, focusing on the analytical and diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. We extend its technical application using SYBR Green. By performing standard curves and eight-replication-based experiments, we established the detection limit at 3 fg C. platani gDNA per PCR reaction. The repeatability and the operator-based reproducibility of the Real-Time PCR was demonstrated. Different gDNA extraction events by different operators and different gDNA extraction modalities did not affect the detection limit. The detection limit threshold cycle was earliest with SYBR Green, followed by Taqman, and EvaGreen. Spiking 6 µl DNA extractions of uninfected, necrotized wood with 3 fg C. platani gDNA confirmed the detection limit: 3 fg C. platani gDNA per PCR reaction, i.e., 0.5 fg gDNA per µl of wood extract. The assays tolerated 6 µl of necrotic C. platani-infected wood extracts without inhibition except for long-dead wood samples, while the 2 µl dose consistently allowed for successful detection. Detection of the pathogen in infected samples showed the highest diagnostic sensitivity with the SYBR Green assay. Agarose gel electrophoresis and staining was validated for visualizing amplicons, even at the detection limit. The specificity of the method was tested against 23 isolates representing the diversity of Ceratocystidaceae, and most species were not detected at 5 ng gDNA. However, some South American strains of the C. fimbriata complex were detected at doses as low as 5 fg. The method remains specific for C. platani detection as no other Ceratocystidaceae are known to colonize plane tree and the species within the geographic range of canker stain of plane tree were only detected at 500 pg or more gDNA. This work paves the way for a performance study of inter-laboratory comparisons.

Real-Time PCR for Ceratocystis platani detection: in-depth validation to assess the diagnostic potential and include additional technical options