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.