Detection of Pepino mosaic virus isolates from tomato by one-step reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification.

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) of DNA is a novel technique for the amplification of DNA under isothermal conditions. For the first time, we applied this method to develop a simple and sensitive tool for the detection of Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV). PepMV is an emerging pathogen that causes yield and quality losses in tomato crops. Specific RT-LAMP primers for PepMV detection were designed based on triple gene block sequences. The reaction was performed in a single tube at 65 °C for 30 min. The RT-LAMP assay is easy to perform and inexpensive, and it may be applied in the rapid and specific diagnosis of PepMV.