Virus and bacterial diagnostics in potatoes
The NAK can analyse your potato tubers on virus, bacteria and nematodes in combination or separately. It is not possible to offer us samples of potatoes from non-EU countries for research. This is a result of changed regulations and requirements that our laboratory must meet.
Test your potato tubers at the NAK and get the best insight in the quality of your potatoes
- We give you the best insights into the quality of your potatoes by examining your tubers on several viruses and other diseases with the most advanced techniques.
- Our specialized and qualified analysts will work on your product which guarantees the best results in predicting the disease status of your potatoes.
Follow the steps in the next image to find out what is the best test for your tubers:
Click on the image to enlarge
- With PCR a combination test of all mentioned diseases is possible. But It is also possible to choose an examination on less diseases or only one.
- 4 x 50 is the standard merge for virus and Erwinia, other merges are possible (see price list). With a combination test the sample size and merge of the virus and Erwinia test needs to be the same.
We do not test samples with GMO modified material.
For more information please contact our Customer service department: 0031 (0)527-635350 or nak@nak.nl
Available tests
Virus
We analyse potato tubers on different viruses with the ELISA- or PCR-technique.
It is possible to send in ELISA samples after the 15th of December, with a 25% addition on the costs.
| Virus examination | ELISA
Only available in the period of 15 August – 15 December |
PCR |
| Determined potato virus | PVY, PVA, PVS/PVX*, PLRV(potato leaf roll virus), PVV, PVM
* PVX can be examined separately from PVS, but can also be combined in one reaction. Combination is cheaper since costs are only charged for one virus. |
Standard: PVY, PVA, PVX and PLRV (potato leaf roll virus)Max. 4 virus combinations in al PCR-test are possible. Testing on PVS is optional. |
| Required time for examination after receipt | 6 – 9 weeks.The required time for examination depends on the weather conditions because the samples grow in a greenhouse. | ≤ 2 weeks (priority ≤1 week)The PCR test is done directly on tuber material, which saves time compared to the ELISA test. |
| Packaging | Mesh bag, close with a ty-rap. | Mesh bag, close with a ty-rap.
In case of a combination test with M. chitwoodi/fallax and/or brownrot/ringrot, the sample should be delivered in a polyprop bag. |
| Sample size and merging | ≤ 110 tubers, merged per 4 leaves Explanation: A tuber grows to a plant, from each plant 1 leave will be picked. 4 leaves will be combined in 1 reaction, which is positive or negative for the tested organism. Per sample max. 96 plants will be tested, this gives a max. of 24 reactions per sample. Amount of plants that can be tested depends on their emergence in the greenhouse.Single tuber test (no merge) is optional. |
5 options per sample:* 200 tubers, 4 reactions (4 x 50 tub)
* 200 tubers, 10 reactions (10 x 20 tub) * 100 tubers, 10 reactions (10 x 10 tub) * 50 tubers, 1 reaction (1 x 50 tub) * 20 tubers, 1 reaction (1 x 20 tub) Explanation (for example 4×50): you deliver a sample of 200 tubers, our laboratory divides them in 4 sub-samples of 50 tubers each. Every subsample gives a reaction, the reaction is positive or negative for the tested organism. |
Erwinia: bacterial blackleg/stem rot
We examine potato tubers on the presence of bacteria which causes blackleg/stem rot. This test will detect (latent) infections of Pectobacterium atrosepticum (Pa), Dickeya spp. (Dic), Pectobacterium parmentieri (Pp) and Pectobacterium brasiliense (Pb).
| Erwinia | |
| Examination method | PCR |
| Required time for examination after receipt | ≤ 3 weeks (priority ≤ 2 weeks) |
| Packaging | Mesh bag, close with a ty-rap.In case of a combination test with M. chitwoodi/fallax and/or browrot/ringrot, the sample should be delivered in a polyprop bag. |
| Sample size and merging | 5 options per sample:* 200 tubers, 4 reactions (4 x 50 tubers)
* 200 tubers, 10 reactions (10 x 20 tubers) * 100 tubers, 10 reactions (10 x 10 tubers) * 50 tubers, 1 reaction (1 x 50 tubers) * 20 tubers, 1 reaction (1 x 20 tubers) Explanation (for example 4×50): you deliver a sample of 200 tubers, our laboratory divides them in 4 sub-samples of 50 tubers each. Every subsample gives a reaction, the reaction is positive or negative for the tested organism. |
Meloidogyne chitwoodi and fallax
Meloidogyne chitwoodi and Meloidogyne fallax are both quarantine nematodes that can cause severe damage to their host plants, of which Solanum tuberosum (potato) is the most important.
| Meloidogyne chitwoodi and fallax | |
| Examination method | PCR |
| Required time for examination after receipt | ≤ 3 weeks (priority ≤ 2 weeks) |
| Packaging | Polyprop bag,
close with a ty-rap. |
| Sample size and merging | 200 tubers,
100 tubers merged in 1 reaction (2 reactions per sample) |
Brownrot and Ringrot
We offer tests in which we can detect (latent) infections of bacterial ring rot caused by Clavibacter sepedonicus and/or brownrot caused by Ralstonia solanacearum.
Please be aware that if the sample is positive for brownrot or ringrot the NAK has the obligation to report this to the Dutch NPPO.
| Ringrot and brownrot examination | |
| Examination method | IF-test |
| Required time for examination after receipt | ≤ 2 weeks (priority ≤ 1 week)
When a sample gives a positive reaction in the IF-test, the sample will be send to the Dutch NPPO where several confirmation tests will be carried out. The complete diagnosis of a positive sample will be reported to you between 2 and 15 weeks after you received the result of the IF-test. |
| Packaging | Polyprop bag,
close with a ty-rap. |
| Sample size and merging | 200 tubers,
200 potato tubers merged in 1 ‘reaction’. |
Is your desired test not mentioned above or would you like an price offer? Please send an email with a clear description to nak@nak.nl.
Combination of tests
We advise you to combine various tests on the same potato sample of 200 tubers. It reduces costs. With a combination test, the sample size and merge of the virus and Erwinia test needs to be the same.
All of the following tests can be performed on one single potato sample of 200 tubers:
- Virus PCR (standard combination PVY, PVA, PVX and PLRV)
- Erwinia (blackleg tests)
- Meloidogyne chitwoodi and M. fallax
- Brownrot and ringrot
Test results
You will receive the results per e-mail as an Pdf-file (Excel-file is also possible).
We present the number of positive (‘diseased’) reactions instead of disease percentage and spread. We have 2 documents for you if you want the percentage of diseased plants and spread:
- PCR: “Disease percentage PCR“.
- Elisa: “Explanation Seedcalc-program”, to calculate this your self.
Sample labelling
- All your samples should be labelled with unique NAK sample labels. You can find the form at the top of this page, button ‘Request form sample labels’. Please send your request form to nak@nak.nl. The sample labels will be send to you by post.
- A sample label consists of 2 parts. You should attach one part on the outside of the sample bag and one inside the sample bag. On the side of each label-part is mentioned where it should be used (in = inside the bag, aan = outside the bag).
- Unfortunately, all samples that arrive without pre-requested labels and alignment on delivery dates cannot be processed.
Packaging and logistics
Samples are only accepted on weekdays from 8.00 – 17.00 hour (except on Dutch public holidays). Please inform us 3 working days before sending your samples via nak@nak.nl with the following details:
- expected date of delivery
- the amount of samples
- description which tests needs to be performed on your samples.
Delivery address: NAK, Randweg 14, 8304 AS Emmeloord, The Netherlands.
Advice and support
Specific questions regarding tests, samples, analytical issues and logistics can be forwarded to the
Customer service department via 0031 (0)527-635350 or nak@nak.nl
The NAK standard terms and conditions for the supply and services apply to our activities.
Costs
You can find the pricelist at the top of this page, button ‘Pricelist seed potato testing’