High-throughput detection of viruses of fruit trees by multiplex PCR-based amplicon sequencing

Rapid and accurate diagnostic methods for viral diseases are essential in terms of crop production and food security. In this study we report a multiplex PCR-based amplicon sequencing approach for the rapid diagnosis of 27 viruses and 7 viroids in more than 100 pome and stone fruit tree samples in a single sequencing panel, which ultimately can reduce processing time, labor, and cost associated with detection of virus and viroids in these crops.