Detection of Tilletia controversa and Tilletia caries in wheat by PCR method

Abstract

Tilletia controversa and Tilletia caries were specifically detected in wheat plants by PCR using primers TILf (5′-CAC AAG ACT ACG GAG GGG TG-3′) and TILr (5′-CTC CAA GCA ACC TTC TCT TTC-3′). DNAs from uninfected wheat, rye, barley and triticale were not amplified. Natural infection of control plants by other species of fungi as Alternaria spp., Erysiphe graminis and Fusarium spp. proved the specificity of the test because even in this case no unspecific products were formed. This method can be very useful both for seed producers and for state officers checking the seed quality.