Accurate and timely identification of plant diseases is important for many aspects of agriculture from correct diagnosis of field symptoms to their study as part of research programmes. Molecular methods are being increasingly utilised in the detection and study of plant pathogens, with the advent of real-time PCR further enhancing this area allowing faster, more sensitive and quantitative detection. With these advances has come an increase in the adoption of such technology in support of crop management decisions.
Recent/current research projects include:
- Methods for diagnosis of phytoplasmas of importance in potatoes; and
- EUPHRESCO projects on detection of quarantine organisms (including PCN, PSTVd, Clavibacter michiganesis subsp. sepedonicus and Ralstonia solanacerum) and Dickeya spp.
Additional information on a number of other pests and pathogens can be found using the links below.