Real Time PCR Kit 100 rxn (Venturia inaequalis)

Venturia inaequalis is the most economically damaging fungal pathogen of apples worldwide. It targets leaves and fruit, causing characteristic olive-green to black, velvety lesions. Severe infections lead to premature defoliation, weakening the tree and reducing flower bud formation and future yields. On fruit, the pathogen induces corky, scabbing lesions that often crack, causing significant cosmetic damage and rendering the crop unmarketable. 

The epidemiology of V. inaequalis is driven by spring moisture and temperature conditions which trigger the release of primary ascospores from overwintered leaf litter. Once established, the fungus produces conidia, facilitating rapid secondary spread throughout the orchard. Due to the pathogen’s increasing fungicide resistance, early molecular detection is a vital tool for Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Identifying the pathogen’s DNA during the primary infection phase allows for optimized spray schedules and prevents the explosive secondary spread that can lead to total crop loss.