Services Plant Viruses
High-Throughput Sequencing and bioinformatics
We offer High-Throughput Sequencing (HTS) and bioinformatics analyses to discover new viruses, and reveal the composition and genetic variability of virus populations in environmental samples. From nucleic acid extraction to sequencing on Illumina platforms and data analyses, our comprehensive workflow leads to virus identification and reconstruction of viral genomes. It enables the early identification of (emerging) infectious diseases caused by viruses and other pathogens and advances our understanding of virus diversity, ecology and evolution.
Proficiency Tests
Proficiency Tests for interlaboratory comparison are essential for laboratory testing and a requirement for the accreditation process. In general, for interlaboratory comparison, plant samples are distributed to participants for concurrent testing and validation.
DSMZ as an international reference center for plant viruses has the technical competence on the plant viruses and the diagnostic tests to be performed and acts as co-organizer with national and international partners to conduct proficiency tests. Test samples may consist of fresh or freeze dried leaf materials and/or nucleic acid extracts for all molecular, serological or biological assays.
Virus indexing
Indexing plant materials for virus freedom is one of our key competencies for which we provide an adequate infrastructure (quarantine glasshouse) for transit quarantine and the most advanced technologies. High-Throughput Sequencing (HTS) is the ideal approach and a workflow comprising growing-on tests and HTS is followed to certify freedom of plant pathogens, support the international movement of germplasm and certify nuclear stocks and breeding materials.
Detection/localization of viral pathogens or plant genes using RNAscope®
Cross-sections from cassava stem tissue subjected to Duplex RNAscope® ISH using probes for CBSV-Mo83 and UCBSV-Ke125 simultaneously. Red and blue signals indicate the presence of CBSV-Mo83 and UCBSV-Ke125, respectively. The images show areas with individually infected cells or clusters.
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The detection and localization of viral pathogens or plant genes in given plant tissue, obtained through in situ hybridization using RNAscope® techniques, allows a highly sensitive and specific detection of viruses in plant tissues including viruses in mixed infection allowing to localize multiple targets (viruses, transcripts, genes). This is particularly useful for studies of gene expression correlated with virus infection stages.
The service covers probe design, hybridization and microscopical examination. Upon request, excision of plant sections from desired plant tissues can also be offered.
Consultancy and Training
Our consultancy on training in diagnostic methods, plant health and disease intervention is to enable scientists,
technicians and practitioners in the laboratory and field.