Research Program

Molecular Diagnostics and Population Genetics (MDPG)

The Molecular Diagnostics and Population Genetics (MDPG) Research Program's central purpose is to pursue and to develop new molecular-based approaches for rapidly and accurately analyzing and assessing soils, plants, irrigation systems, water supplies, air, and other niches for the presence of specific pathogenic as well as beneficial microorganisms. More specifically, molecular methods are being developed and exploited for fast and reliable (multiplex) detection, identification, and quantification of fungi, bacteria, nematodes, and viruses. These techniques are then further adapted for high-throughput analyses in practical laboratory settings as well as for epidemiological and ecological studies.

Research topics

Evaluation and deployment of biomolecular strategies for rapid and reliable analyses of microorganisms in various matrices
Development of new DNA- and RNA-based diagnostic tools for rapid plant pathogen detection and disease diagnosis
Development of DNA arrays to simultaneously detect and quantify an expanding set of plant pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms in various complex matrices
Use of DNA sequencing and genetic fingerprinting techniques to assess microbial communities
Use of molecular tools to study population genetics (molecular epidemiology and ecology)

Research conducted by the MMD Research Program integrates the expertise of other researchers within Scientia Terrae with that of scientific collaborators in university, government, and private research groups.

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