“…Numerous RT‐PCR assays, varying mainly on the target sequence, have been reported for the detection of ASPV (MacKenzie et al ., 1997; Kummert et al ., 1998; Malinowski et al ., 1998; Yoshikawa et al ., 2001; Menzel et al ., 2002; Hassan et al ., 2006). However, the detection range of these techniques is limited by the high genetic variability of the virus, which ranges up to 23% in the amino acid sequence of the coat protein (CP) gene (Nemchinov et al ., 1998; Schwarz & Jelkmann, 1998; Paunović et al ., 1999; Yoshikawa et al ., 2001). The development of reliable and sensitive assays using rapid and simple sample preparation techniques is necessary for successful screening of propagating material in certification schemes.…”