Meta-genomic Analysis of Microbial Diversity and Molecular Detection of Quarantine Pathogens Associated with Imported Seed Potato to Sri Lanka

Transmission of tuber borne diseases is a major cause of yield reduction in potato cultivation in Sri Lanka. In this study, 16S rDNA meta-genomic analysis was performed for the detection of bacteria associated with seed potato imported into Sri Lanka for cultivation. The samples were randomly collected from imported seed potato consignments at the entry ports. Culture independent Meta-genomic DNA extracted from the seed potato tubers was sequenced by amplifying ~460 bp fragments of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Ion torrent and Illumina next generation sequencing platforms were used. The data were analyzed using DADA2, MG-RAST and QUIIME analysis pipelines to identify the endophytes, quarantine and non-quarantine pathogens associated with imported seed potato to understand the invasion risks associated with the tubers.