Multiplex Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction for Simultaneous Detection of Viruses in Gentian

The multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect Broad bean wilt virus 2, Cucumber mosaic virus and Clover yellow vein virus. Using specific primers, the method enabled detection of the viruses with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity and identification of the virus species according to the size of the PCR product amplified. Each of the three viruses was also detected within a mixture of the viruses by this method. Of 247 field plants of gentian subjected to the multiplex RT-PCR, 88% were found to be infected with one or more of the viruses.