Conventional PCR for detection of Corynespora cassiicola in soybean seeds

Abstract The fungus Corynespora cassiicola, causal agent of target spot in soybeans, can be transmitted by soybean seeds and as of that point cause severe damage. This disease may be diagnosed at an early stage by seed testing, but knowledge in this area is insufficient. Because of that and increased attack by the disease in soybean areas in Brazil, further studies are required. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of conventional PCR in detecting C. cassiicola in soybean seeds. The GA4-F/GA4-R primers described in the literature were tested for their specificity and sensitivity for detection of C. cassiicola in pure culture and in soybean seeds. Uninoculated and inoculated seed samples were used with different incidence levels - 100%, 10%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.25%, and 0% of preestablished inoculum potentials, P0, P1, P2, and P3. Detection of C. cassiicola in P1 inoculum potential was observed in samples with incidence levels of 10% to 100%. In the P3 potential, detection of the pathogen was successful in samples at the low level of 0.25%.