This ELISA product is a qualitative assay for the detection of Xylella fastidiosa (Xf), the causal agent of bacterial leaf scorch, Pierce's disease, and phony peach disease. This pathogen has a wide host range, including almond, blackberry, citrus, grapevine, and olive.

The antibodies for this assay were screened against multiple isolates of three subspecies within the X. fastidiosa species, detecting all true positives, including those from infected Oleander. Exclusivity panels revealed no cross-reactivity with multiple common bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens. Moreover, no host-reaction was observed with healthy tissue from any common host of X. fastidiosa we tested.

Xylella fastidiosa spreads throughout the plant via the xylem vessels and can be distributed differentially within the host. Due to this localization, we recommend testing petiole or stem samples from multiple locations on symptomatic plants. Please note that continuing external research suggests root tissue provides the most consistent accurate results when testing peach for the presence of X. fastidiosa.

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