Evaluation of a real-time PCR and a loop-mediated isothermal amplification for detection of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni in plant tissue samples

• Real-time PCR and LAMP were suitable for reliable, sensitive X. arboricola pv. pruni detection.
• The first technique was slightly more accurate than LAMP, depending upon sample preparation.
• Critical data to support recommendations for practical use and phytosanitary inspection guidelines are provided.

Operational capacity of real-time PCR and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) diagnostic assays for detection of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni was established in a ring-test involving four laboratories. Symptomatic and healthy almond leaf samples with two methods of sample preparation were analyzed. Kappa coefficient, sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios and post-test probability of detection were estimated to manage the risk associated with the use of the two methods.