How specific is the Fusarium graminearum DNA test?
This process recognizes and amplifies DNA sequences that are unique to the organism being detected. The Fusarium graminearum test reliably detects as few as 8 cells of the fungus and analysis of 2-3 times the amount of seed used in other tests enables more accurate results. Fusarium graminearum presence on seed can be detected in as little as 24 hours, a quarter of the time of conventional testing. Percentage of infected seed may be determined by follow-up culture plate testing of contaminated samples. Fusarium Head Blight in cereals can be caused by four different Fusarium fungi. The DNA test specifically detects Fusarium graminearum, which is of particular concern due to the aggressive nature of the fungus. Also, this fungus has caused significant economic losses in the US, Manitoba and Saskatchewan through yield losses and mycotoxin production, which affect feed and malt quality. Fusarium pseudograminearum, a fifth fungus that sometimes occurs on seed but does not cause Fusarium Hea
