Agdia Develops Highly Sensitive PCR Assay for the Detection of Pospiviroids

Agdia, Inc., a leading provider of agricultural diagnostic test kits and services, has developed a highly sensitive two-step PCR assay that detects several important Pospiviroids known to cause significant damage in ornamental, citrus and solanaceous crops. Agdia’s own conventional two-step reverse transcriptase PCR (RT PCR) is ideal for testing crops subject to phytosanitary restrictions and requirements. The Agdia designed RT PCR can detect the presence of these destructive pathogens at levels 10 times lower than possible with commonly used single step RT PCR.

Fast and highly reliable, the Agdia Pospiviroid PCR will screen for the following viroid infections: Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd), Tomato chlorotic dwarf viroid (TCDVd), Tomato apical stunt viroid (TASVd), Tomato planta macho viroid/Mexican pepita viroid (TPMVd/MPVd), Chrysanthemum stunt viroid (CSVd), and Citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd). Agdia’s Pospiviroid primers are not degenerate and allow for highly specific sequencing matches, when needed. Initial test results are reported in 3 to 5 business days. Sequence matching requires an additional 3 to 5 business days.

A leading provider of diagnostic solutions for agriculture, Agdia, Inc. has been serving plant breeders, propagators, growers, universities, and private testing laboratories since 1981. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of validated, easy-to-use diagnostics for identifying plant pathogens, hormones, and transgenic traits, as well as in-house testing services.

For instructions on sending samples to Agdia for testing, or to request USDA permit packets, visit the company’s website at www.agdia.com, e-mail testing@agdia.com, phone 1-574-264-2014 (toll-free 1-800-622-4342) or fax 1-574-264-2153.