Diagnostics
Contact: Dr Jane Thomas
The detection, quantification and charaicterisation of plant pathogens using a multitude of molecular markers is becoming an increasingly routiene practice. Such probes are being used to trace the development of the pathogen in host tissue and to quantitatively describe the hosts susceptibility to infection.
Leptosphaeria maculans Stem Canker
Pyrenopeziza brassicae Light Leaf Spot
Claviceps purpurea Ergot
The same molecular technology can also be used to develop diagnostic tests for plant pathogens. Such tests are now available for the detection of a number of seed-borne pathogens and for the rapid differentiation of the two species of potato cyst nematode in mixed samples.
Pyrenophora graminea Leaf Stripe
Pyrenophora teres Net Blotch
Ustilago nuda Loose Smut
Microdochium nivale Foot Rot
Tilletia cares Bunt
Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris Black Rot
Potato cyst nematodes
Ditylenchus dipsaci Stem & Bulb Nematode
Tobacco Rattle Virus
It is essential that test results represent the health stats of the bulk of seed. Sampling strategies for seed health tests - wheat
These tests are offered as commercial services under NIAB Laboratory services