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Conference abstract2013

Early detection of plant diseases based on molecular methods and spore traps

Berlin, Anna; Djurle, Annika; Yuen, Jonathan

Abstract

Several fungal plant pathogens are dispersed by wind. The aim of this project was to determine the best sampling strategy for detection of air-borne plant pathogens, as well as to determine which species are present during different time periods. This was done by collection of air samples during the growing seasons of 2010 and 2011 (May – September), in the four main plant production areas of southern Sweden. The spore samples were collected using two types of spore traps, one active trap and one passive funnel trap. DNA was extracted from each sample and the fungal community was studied based on the ITS region, by applying the 454-sequencing technique. Information from the molecular analysis was compared to reports of disease development in the field crops in the surroundings of the respective spore traps. The results from this study could be used to develop a prediction system, which potentially could be an important tool in disease forecasting and fungicide management.

Published in

Title: Proceedings 11th International Epidemiological Workshop
Publisher: Department of Plant Pathology, China Agricultural University

Conference

11th International Epidemiological Workshop