Identification of cranberry pathogens through a multiplex PCR approach

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Increased knowledge of cranberry diseases is of capital importance to insure the continued production of quality fruits. The fruit pathogens are an increasing concern in the different geographic areas of production. In Quebec, while the presence of cranberry diseases was rare in the past, an unfortunate increase in diseases has plagued the industry. Growers more commonly now have to do up to three fungicide applications to control different diseases. For fruit handlers, the removal of defective fruit in the supply chain is both costly and time-consuming and affects the supply of the finished product. The precise identification of the several pathogens responsible for fruit rot is complex, cumbersome and inaccurate. This situation prevents the use of adequate control measures. Over the last six months, we were able to develop primers that are specific to seven of the most damaging fungi affecting cranberry. In vitro experiments have confirmed that a multiplex PCR approach can discriminate the presence of each fungus. In this project, in collaboration with Ocean Spray, the objective is to demonstrate that the multiplex PCR approach can lead to a precise diagnostic of the causal agent(s) of cranberry fruit rot throughout the area of production in Quebec. A precise knowledge of the pathogens attacking cranberry fruit will provide Quebec (and Canadian and American) growers with adapted control solutions that will benefit both Ocean Spray and cranberry growers throughout the country through yield increment and reduction of pesticide usage and losses incurred by fruit rot.