Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory |
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Located at the National Plant Germplasm Quarantine Center in Beltsville, MD, the National Identification Services' (NIS) Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory supports Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) programs by providing final identifications of targeted quarantine pests using molecular and biochemical tests.
Targeted pests include:
- Citrus canker (Xanthomonas axonopodis (campestris) pv. citri)
- Citrus greening
- Plum pox virus
- Potato cyst nematode (Globodera pallida )
- Ralstonia solanacearum race 3, biovar 2
- Soybean rust (Phakospora pachyrhizi)
- Sudden oak death (Phytophthora ramorum)
The lab is staffed by three senior scientists and two support scientists who utilize a wide array of diagnostic technologies, including conventional and real time PCR, DNA sequencing, gel electrophoresis, spectrophotometry, as well as stereo and transmission light microscopy. The lab coordinates its activities with other PPQ laboratories involved in morphological identifications and with PPQ port and domestic identifiers. The lab collaborates with USDA ARS laboratories and scientists at US and worldwide research institutes. The lab works with the USDA CSREES National Plant Diagnostic Network and state diagnostic laboratories in identifying quarantine pests found domestically or as part of national programs. It also maintains collaborations internationally with groups involved in diagnostics of quarantine pests and scientists conducting research on those groups.