Genomic detection and monitoring of the Dutch elm disease

The research proposed will address the need for tools that can provide rapid and accurate identification of the pathogens that cause Dutch elm disease. This will address the first General Area of Research to develop forest pest management products as well as the fourth General Area of Research to develop forest pest management strategies. Development of these tools is important, as a gap has been identified by our government partners to provide rapid identification of infected trees for the purpose of early removal of infected trees. The objectives of this project are to develop a DNA-based PCR assay for the detection and monitoring of the Dutch elm disease pathogen directly from infected material or the vector, by-passing the lengthy culturing process that was previously required. The project will test the assays for performance and accuracy and will validate the assay under operational conditions.

Faculty Supervisor:

Richard Hamelin

Student:

Partner:

fRI Research

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture; Other services (except public administration); Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: