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.
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. Other sample sizes than 200 tubers are possible, see our price list.
- 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. Due to regulations and laboratory requirements, it is not possible to submit samples from non-EU countries for testing.
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 PCR-technique.
| Virus examination | PCR |
| Determined potato virus | Standard: PVY, PVA, PVX and PLRV (potato leaf roll virus)Max. 4 virus combinations in al PCR-test are possible. PVS is available on request. |
| Required time for examination after receipt | ≤ 2 weeks (priority ≤1 week)The PCR test is done directly on tuber material. |
| Packaging |
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 |
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 leaves: “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’