Mission:
Develop novel molecular genetic methods to detect, identify and classify mycotoxigenic fungi, plant pathogens, foodborne pathogenic bacteria, food spoilage microorganisms, fungi and bacteria used for biological control of agricultural pests, and microorganisms used for conversion of raw agricultural commodities into value-added products. Discover and develop new microbial-based technologies for conversion of vegetable oils and bio-fuel by-products, such as glycerol, to value-added products. Provide for the management, maintenance, and curation of the ARS Microbial Culture Collection, currently comprised of over 85,000 strains, as a resource to support the mission research programs of NCAUR, ARS at other locations, and other research institutions. Included within this responsibility is the maintenance of the ARS Patent Culture Collection under the provisions of the Budapest Treaty.