A multiplex PCR assay for the simultaneous detection of five potexviruses infecting cactus plants using dual-priming oligonucleotides (DPOs) primers

•Multiplex PCR was used to simultaneously detect five potexviruses in cactus plants.•Multiplex PCR was based on specific DPO primers.•Multiplex PCR could detect viruses with 10 pg of plasmid DNA or more.•CVX, PiVX, SchVX, and ZyVX were simultaneously detected in two cactus species.