Time on our side

New diagnostic strategy for Phytophthora ramorum and P. kernoviae - CSL first in world to achieve quality standard ISO 17025 in this area of testing.  

 

 


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Immunology and Molecular Methods


Mission and objectives

The Team carries out research into novel diagnostic assays for a wide range of analytes and targets including laboratory and field-based applications as well as research into plant virus biology and detection. The Team is currently involved in more than 30 R&D projects for a wide variety of customers including: Defra, Food Standards Agency, EU and numerous commercial companies.

Science themes

  • Carry out research on biology, detection and control of a range of insect-transmitted plant viruses (including luteoviruses, potyviruses, tospoviruses, gemeniviruses, sequiviruses and criniviruses)
  • Carry out R&D on the control and prevention of mycotoxins focusing on detection methods
  • Undertake research on the biology and diagnosis of soil-borne viruses (infecting sugar beet and cereals) and support the plant quarantine consultancy and diagnosis Teams
  • Undertake R&D on novel diagnostic methods (both serological using field-test immunoassays and molecular using real-time PCR) for applications in plant quarantine, crop protection and food safety
  • Deliver diagnostics (including lateral flow development) for a wide range of applications
  • Extend the R&D underpinning UK plant quarantine to address plant health issues in Accession Countries and Developing Countries

Team members