Background Phytophthora pluvialis was first described in 2013 and is the causal agent of
red needle cast (RNC) in Pinus radiata as well as infection in Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga
menziesii). A species-specific PCR is necessary for detection of this pathogen and diagnosis
of RNC. Objective To design and validate a species-specific molecular assay for P. pluvialis
using isolates from infected pine needles. Methods Species-specific PCR primers were
generated from the ras-related GTP-binding protein 1 gene (ypt1) gene sequence …