Technology Description:

The invention is a detection assay using novel PCR primers that can be used in a rapid and sensitive method to detect and specifically identify Tilletia indica Mitra, the causal organism of wheat Karnal bunt. Recently, it was found that spores from bunted ryegrass seeds closely resemble those of wheat seed. The newly discovered ryegrass pathogen, T. walkeri, could not be differentiated from T. indica, using previously developed PCR assays because of the high degree of DNA identity between T. indica and T. walkeri. Five novel PCR primer sets were designed to specifically identify T. indica. Three additional novel primer sets are specific for T. walkeri. Assays using these primers are rapid and specific. Since the United States is the world’s leading wheat exporter, it is important to control Karnal bunt to minimize losses in yield and quality, and to contain the disease for trade or regulatory purposes.