Data from: A HRM real-time PCR assay for rapid and specific identification of the emerging pest spotted-wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii)

Spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) is an emerging pest that began spreading in 2008 and its distribution now includes 13 countries across two continents. Countries where it is established have reported significant economic losses of fresh produce, such as cherries due to this species of fly. At larval stages, it is impossible to identify due to its striking similarities with other cosmopolitan and harmless drosophilids. Molecular methods allow identification but the current technique of DNA barcoding is time consuming. We developed and validated a rapid, highly sensitive and specific assay based on real-time PCR and high resolution melt (HRM) analysis using EvaGreen DNA intercalating dye chemistry. Performance characteristics of this qualitative assay, validation and applicability in a New Zealand quarantine framework are discussed. Application of this robust and independently validated assay across the spectrum of key food production and border protection industries will allow us to reduce the further spread of this damaging species worldwide.

斑翅果蝇（Drosophila suzukii）是一种新兴害虫，于2008年开始扩散，目前其分布范围已覆盖两大洲的13个国家。该虫定殖的国家均报道称其会造成樱桃等鲜食农产品的严重经济损失。幼虫阶段因与其他广布且无害的果蝇类群形态极为相似，无法通过形态学鉴定。分子检测方法可实现该虫的鉴定，但当前主流的DNA条形码（DNA barcoding）技术耗时较长。本研究开发并验证了一种基于实时聚合酶链反应（real-time PCR）与高分辨率熔解曲线（high resolution melt, HRM）分析、使用EvaGreen DNA嵌入染料技术的快速、高灵敏度且高特异性的检测方法。本文探讨了该定性检测方法的性能特征、验证结果及其在新西兰检疫框架中的应用适用性。将该经过独立验证的可靠检测方法应用于各类关键食品生产与边境保护行业，将有助于遏制这一破坏性物种在全球范围内的进一步扩散。