| Naktuinbouw has developed a new method for detecting the presence of Agrobacterium tumefacians in the soil. The new method is able to identify a small fragment of DNA of A.tumefaciens that is responsible for infection. This allows the detection of Agrobacterium at much lower levels. This will enable growers to decide more safely which fields to plant and what plants to grow or export, especially if the impoprting country operates a zero tolerance phytodanitary policy with regard to Agrobacterium.
All plants in the Rosaceae family are susceptible which manifests itself in crown gall disease that causes stunted growth or even death. The presence of the disease is often only noticed at the post harvest stage.
For firther information contact Naktuinbouw, the Netherlands. Fax 0031 713326356, email Ellis Meekes on: e.meekes@naktuinbouw.nl, www.naktuinbouw.nl |
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