B6.3.7 Flashcards
How are plant diseases diagnosed in the field 1
Most plant diseases have visual symptoms.
For example powdery mildew.
How are plant diseases diagnosed in the field 2
The symptoms of many plant diseases are very similar. Plant pathologists use microscopy to identify the pathogen. They identify species of bacteria by their shape. This can be done using light and electron microscopy.
How are plant diseases diagnosed in a labatory
DNA analysis.
What is DNA analysis
Every plant pathogen has a unique genome. Scientists identify these using DNA fingerprinting. The map of the genome produced is called a profile. Scientists compare an unknown plant pathogen’s genome to a known DNA profile. If a match is found an accurate diagnosis can be made. They can be used to identify individual strains of microorganisms.
How can antigens be identified
Plant pathogens carry specific antigens (proteins) on their surface. These can be identified through chemical analysis and so the pathogen can be identified.
What is the advantage of using laboratory methods
The potential to identify a plant pathogen before it causes significant damage to a crop
