5. Conclusions
In this study we have established the optimal conditions for the spe-
cific detection and quantification of viable cells of the antagonist
P. agglomerans CPA-2 by qPCR pre-treated with PMA. The procedure
here outlined proved a specific detection of viable cells in both pure cul-
ture and artificially inoculated orange matrix. This PMA-qPCR method
has the advantage to be specific, quantify viable bacteria and finally pro-
vide data on the VBNC fraction that is not detected by culture methods.