A rapid quarantine approach for the pathogenic and invasive Phytophthora species associated with imported fruits in China

BACKGROUND Phytophthora spp. represent a pivotal genus of plant pathogens with a global distribution, exerting significant deleterious effects on food safety and forestry ecosystems. Numerous pathogenic and invasive Phytophthora species, introduced through imported fruits, have been frequently detected at Chinese ports. With the rise in global trade activities, the plant quarantine of imported fruits is becoming increasingly important but challenging. Fast, simple, and labor‐saving techniques are necessary and anticipated. RESUITS A polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism capillary electrophoresis (PCR‐RFLP‐CE) technology‐based quarantine approach was developed for 16 Phytophthora species associated with the imported fruits in China. The Ypt1 gene, exhibiting abundant interspecific variations, was selected as the marker gene for PCR. The restriction endonuclease AluI was proven to be capable and compatible in simultaneously separating different Phytophthora species during CE. By combining with a fast and efficient DNA extraction kit, the developed PCR‐RFLP‐CE technique was successfully applied to identify Phytophthora species in artificially infested fruits. CONCLUSION We provide a quick, practical, and high‐throughput detection approach for hazardous and invasive Phytophthora species associated with imported fruits in China. This strategy can give good convenience and technological support for carrying out massive quarantine activities at Chinese ports. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. A polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism capillary electrophoresis (PCR‐RFLP‐CE)‐based technique was developed to simultaneously quarantine 15 pathogenic and invasive Phytophthora species associated with imported fruits in China.