Molecular Techniques for Characterisation of Seedborne Pathogens

Seeds are a major source of global pathogen dissemination. Detection and characterisation of seedborne pathogens is vital to rational disease control strategies. Our investigations into molecular detection methods resulted in the use of RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) techniques to meet seed testing requirements for speed, specificity and sensitivity. Of the molecular techniques investigated RAPDs were particularly useful because no sequence information was required and polymorphisms occurred within and between species. The technique was successful in amplifying DNA directly from bacterial cells and fungal mycelium, eliminating time-consuming DNA extractions.