Abstract: Abstract：Based on the difference in internal transcribed spacer （ITS）sequences of Pythium splendens
and other Pythium spp.，a specific pair of primers SF1/SR2 was designed. Among 30 P. splendens isolates
causing root rot of Anthurium andraeanum，and other eight fungi and two bacteria species，the primer pair
amplified a single 572 bp product from all isolates of P. splendens，but not from any other isolates tested.
The sensitivity of detection of the pathogen P. splendens with primers SF1/SR2 was 1 pg genomic DNA. It
could amplified a specific single product from natural infected A. andraeanum plants，that was not
amplified from healthy tissue. The results showed that the PCR protocol provides a rapid，sensitive and
reliable tool routine detection and identification of P. splendens. In addition，this study is beneficial to
control root rot disease of A. andraeanum.

Key words: Anthurium andraeanum, Pythium splendens, ITS analysis, PCR detection