Description

The Goss’s Wilt assay is designed for the specific detection of the bacterial pathogen that causes Goss’s wilt and blight of corn, also shortened simply to Goss’s Wilt. Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis (Cmn), the causal organism of Goss’s wilt, can infect a corn crop in any developmental stage, whether through wounds or transmitted directly through seed. Once the bacteria have colonized a crop, the surface-infested crop residue later becomes the main source of inoculum for future outbreaks of Goss’s wilt and leaf blight.

NAGC has optimized a test for high throughput capabilities that utilizes a PCR-based assay to detect, identify and quantify the causal agent of Goss’s wilt (Cmn) (McNally et al., 2016).  With the expansion of the assay into a high-throughput, quantitative test, NAGC will be able to provide an accurate, sensitive, and affordable method for producers and researchers to assess the potential for developing Goss’s wilt. Prior to planting, pre-screening of seed before purchase and sampling fields to assess the bacterial lode assist in identifying the potential for Goss’s wilt to develop and once planted, testing symptomatic plant samples allows for identification and quantification of the bacteria.

This project was funded in part by the North Dakota Corn Utilization Council.

References

McNally, R. R., Ishimaru, C. A. & Malvick, D. K. 2016. PCR-Mediated Detection and Quantification of the Goss’s Wilt Pathogen Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis Via a Novel Gene Target. Phytopathology®, 106, 1465-1472.