Development of a sensitive and single-step PCR-based assay for detection of sandal spike phytoplasma

Santalum album commonly known as Indian sandalwood, is extensively exploited due to its demand in the international market for essential oil. In the Indian subcontinent, the species is approaching commercial extinction due to overexploitation and sandal spike disease caused by phytoplasma. Molecular detection using PCR and RFLP is reported for disease diagnosis. In the present study, a single-step, stringent PCR-based assay was developed to detect the sandal spike phyto­plasma. The titre estimation revealed that the marker maintained detection sensitivity up to 0.8 ng of template DNA. Subsequent to validation of the marker in a larger number of symptomatic individuals, this diag­no­stic assay can be routinely used to detect the pathogen. It will facilitate early detection and enable plantation managers to take adequate measures to control the spread of the disease.