Design and development of a DNA array for rapid detection and identification of multiple tomato vascular wilt pathogens

Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, and Verticillium wilt, caused by either Verticillium albo-atrum or Verticillium dahliae, are devastating diseases of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) found worldwide. Monitoring is the cornerstone of integrated pest management of any disease. The lack of rapid, accurate, and reliable means by which plant pathogens can be detected and identified is one of the main limitations in integrated disease management. In this paper, we describe the development of a molecular detection system, based on DNA array technology, for rapid and efficient detection of these vascular wilt pathogens. We show the utility of this array for the sensitive detection of these pathogens from complex substrates like soil, plant tissues and irrigation water, and samples that are collected by tomato growers in their greenhouses.