Validation of a real-time PCR protocol to detect <i>Ceratocystis lukuohia</i> and <i>C. huliohia</i> from Aotearoa New Zealand <i>Metrosideros</i> species

<p><i>Ceratocystis lukuohia</i>, the cause of ōhi’a wilt disease, and <i>C. huliohia</i>, the cause of ōhi’a canker disease (collectively known as rapid ōhi’a death or ROD), have resulted in widespread death of ‘ōhi’a lehua (<i>Metrosideros polymorpha</i>) in Hawai’i. Aotearoa New Zealand <i>Metrosideros</i> species, such as the iconic pōhutukawa and rātā, are closely related to <i>M. polymorpha</i>. The pathogens are not currently present in Aotearoa New Zealand but should either of these pathogens establish in this country, they could affect endemic and indigenous <i>Metrosideros</i> species. In this study, the use of a real-time PCR protocol, developed in Hawai’i to detect and differentiate <i>C. lukuohia</i> and <i>C. huliohia</i> from ōhi’a plant tissue, was validated for three <i>Metrosideros</i> species from Aotearoa New Zealand.</p>