Molecular diagnosis of parasite seed banks

Abstract

Means for estimating the size of parasitic seed banks are challenging as small seed size, dormancy and specialised germination requirements limit the efficiency of germination and extraction techniques. This chapter reports on a DNA assay using real-time PCR technology and TaqMan® MGB probes to quantify Phelipanche seed banks in research plots and fields in Australia. DNA is directly extracted from soil samples in an assay that can detect a single seed in a 200 g sample. The assay, which has been used for evaluating seed bank dynamics under natural conditions and management scenarios, has applications for parasitic plant management when used as a surveillance tool to assess risk of parasitic weed infestation prior to cropping and to quantify seed in other media such as seed lots, fodder and animal egesta.