Analysis of Tarsonemus Spp. by Real-Time PCR Method (CAT#: STEM-MB-2935-LGZ)

Introduction

Tarsonemus bakeri Ewing (Acari: Tarsonemidae) is a species of mite commonly associated with citrus in many countries including the United States. A short report in 1942 suggested this species is phytophagous, but it has not been reported as a pest in citrus or any other crop since then. A single survey of 78 orchards in three growing regions in California demonstrated that Tarsonemus spp. mites were only associated with leaf samples that had visible sooty mold.<br />A real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR,or qPCR) is a laboratory technique of molecular biology based on the polymerase chain reaction(PCR). It monitors the amplification of a targeted DNA molecule during the PCR(i.e.,in real time),not at its end,as in conventional PCR.<br />Two common methods for the detection of PCR products in real-time PCR are(1)non-specific fluorescent dyes that intercalate with any double-stranded DNA and (2)sequence-specific DNA probes consisting of oligonucleotides that are labelled with a fluorescent reporter,which permits detection only after hybridization of the probe with its complementary sequence.