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Molecular diagnostics
The group has unique, world-leading expertise and infrastructure to develop and deliver DNA based tests for quantification of fungal and nematode pathogens, weed seeds, beneficial soil microflora and plant roots in soil. The technology developed by the group has been commercialised for grain growers in Australia as Predicta B Root Disease Test. The test measures levels of 13 soil borne pathogens of cereal and pulse crops from one soil sample.
The core technology has been modified for use in horticulture to measure key soil borne pathogens that impact on the potato processing industry, and for use in the pasture industries.
Risk ratings are provided with test results, enabling producers to use the results to make management decisions. Comprehensive training courses have been developed and delivered to assist agronomists to correctly gather samples and interpret results.
Processing Capability
The SARDI Diagnostic laboratory has the capacity to extract DNA from samples (up to 500 g) of soil, sediments, plant root systems and other environmental samples. Robust DNA extraction from environmental samples ensures accurate DNA amplification by quantitative PCR assays.
The laboratory is accredited to receive international samples, with appropriate permits, and can process up to 200 samples per day.
The laboratory is equipped with robotic pipetting stations and high-throughput real-time PCR capability.
Tests are under development for Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), beneficial soil microbiota such as Trichoderma, as well as tests to quantify plant roots in soil. Tests for key cereal and pasture species have been developed to monitor root growth and architecture.
Monitoring weeds
Branched broomrape, a quarantine status weed, has minute seeds that are virtually impossible to count by conventional techniques. A DNA test was developed to monitor seed banks of broomrape in soil.
Healthy marine environments
High throughput molecular assays have been developed for evaluation of environmental impacts of tuna aquaculture. These assays are currently under evaluation by regulators for routine compliance monitoring, and has the potential to be extended to meet other environmental monitoring requirements.
More information on diagnostic services
Download the Molecular Diagnostics capability statement (PDF)
Key Contacts:
Dr. Alan McKay
Dr. Kathy Ophel Keller
The core technology has been modified for use in horticulture to measure key soil borne pathogens that impact on the potato processing industry, and for use in the pasture industries.
Risk ratings are provided with test results, enabling producers to use the results to make management decisions. Comprehensive training courses have been developed and delivered to assist agronomists to correctly gather samples and interpret results.
Processing Capability
The SARDI Diagnostic laboratory has the capacity to extract DNA from samples (up to 500 g) of soil, sediments, plant root systems and other environmental samples. Robust DNA extraction from environmental samples ensures accurate DNA amplification by quantitative PCR assays.The laboratory is accredited to receive international samples, with appropriate permits, and can process up to 200 samples per day.
The laboratory is equipped with robotic pipetting stations and high-throughput real-time PCR capability.
Current research focus:
Beneficial organisms and rootsTests are under development for Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), beneficial soil microbiota such as Trichoderma, as well as tests to quantify plant roots in soil. Tests for key cereal and pasture species have been developed to monitor root growth and architecture.
Monitoring weeds
Branched broomrape, a quarantine status weed, has minute seeds that are virtually impossible to count by conventional techniques. A DNA test was developed to monitor seed banks of broomrape in soil.
Healthy marine environments
High throughput molecular assays have been developed for evaluation of environmental impacts of tuna aquaculture. These assays are currently under evaluation by regulators for routine compliance monitoring, and has the potential to be extended to meet other environmental monitoring requirements.
More information on diagnostic services
Download the Molecular Diagnostics capability statement (PDF)
Key Contacts:
Dr. Alan McKay
Dr. Kathy Ophel Keller
