Figure 1. Pair the new test with Agdia's AmpliFire® Pro isothermal fluorometer (coming soon)
Agdia, Inc. is pleased to announce the commercial launch of a field-deployable rapid molecular test kit for the onsite detection of Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV).
Growers can also send samples to Agdia’s Testing Services diagnostic laboratory for expanded cucurbit pathogen screening that now includes CCYV testing.
Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus is a plant pathogenic virus in the Crinivirus genus and is known to cause disease in various cucurbit crops.
First reported in Japan in 2004 infecting melon (Cucumis melo), CCYV has since been reported across many Asian countries, the Middle East, several European countries, Sudan and the United States. The European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) Distribution Map provides the most up-to-date information on CCYV distribution.
This virus is transmitted by Bemisia tabaci (silverleaf whitefly or sweetpotato whitefly).
Cucurbit crops (cucumber, melon, watermelon, squash and pumpkin) can be significantly impacted by CCYV infection. Symptoms include:
- Interveinal chlorosis
- Chlorotic spots and mottling
- Reduced fruit yield
- Reduced fruit quality (lower sugar content)
Such symptoms are nearly indistinguishable from those caused by other viruses such as Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV, Polerovirus), Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV, Crinivirus) and nutrient deficiencies. In certain infection stages, CCYV symptoms can even be mistaken for those caused by downy mildew. Thus, diagnostic confirmation of the causal agent is critical to selecting effective disease management strategies to combat the virus and vector.
Several other cultivated crop species have been shown to be susceptible to infection under experimental conditions, including:
- Beet (Beta vulgaris)
- Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
- Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
- Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa)
Beyond cultivated crops, several weed species can act as natural reservoirs of CCYV, including:
- Wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum)
- Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
- Alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides)
- Squirting cucumber (Ecballium elaterium)
Extensive validation studies were conducted to demonstrate fitness-for-purpose of the new molecular assay developed by Agdia for the detection of CCYV:
- Diagnostic specificity is 100% (67 out of 67 true negatives detected). No cross reactivity was observed with other pathogens tested during product validation.
- The new assay successfully detected 79 out of 79 positive samples, resulting in a diagnostic sensitivity of 100%.
- This test detects or is predicted to detect (via in silico analysis) all known isolates from various geographic regions, including the United States, China, South Korea, Israel, Taiwan, Italy, Japan, Lebanon and Sudan.
To view the full validation report, see the "Technical Information" tab on the product page.
About AmplifyRP®
Agdia’s new AmplifyRP® XRT assay for the detection of CCYV is based on recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA). This technology enables the rapid amplification and detection of nucleic acid targets (DNA or RNA) at a single operating temperature of 39–42 °C.
AmplifyRP® products achieve sensitivity and specificity comparable to PCR, with clear advantages over the lab-based technology. AmplifyRP® products eliminate the need for a nucleic acid purification step; crude sample extracts are prepared using a simple extraction buffer and tested directly. When paired with Agdia’s legacy AmpliFire® or forthcoming AmpliFire® Pro isothermal fluorometer (Figure 1), the AmplifyRP® system is a user-friendly tool that can be implemented in the field or the lab by personnel with limited molecular diagnostic experience. Total assay time is less than 30 minutes when used with the AmpliFire® as a real-time assay.
About Agdia
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. In addition, Agdia operates an ISO-accredited, in-house testing services laboratory. Agdia’s quality management system is ISO 9001:2015 certified and its Testing Services Laboratory is ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited by ANAB. Visit the company’s website at www.agdia.com, e-mail info@agdia.com, phone 1-574-264-2615 (toll-free 800-622-4342), or fax 1-574-264-2153.
AmplifyRP® and AmpliFire® are registered trademarks of Agdia, Inc.
