Features Crop Protection Inputs
Industry News: What’s hiding in your crop?

Undetected microscopic organisms
can cause big problems for a crop. Laboratory Services at the
University of Guelph offers DNA multiscan®a

What’s hiding in your crop?

DNA multiscan® is a new and innovative service for the rapid detection of micro-organisms.

Undetected microscopic organisms can cause big problems for a crop. Laboratory Services at the University of Guelph offers DNA multiscan®, a new and innovative service for the rapid detection of micro-organisms in water, soil and plant tissues.

Until now, the detection of most micro-organisms required techniques that require several weeks to complete. The precise identification of many organisms could only be performed by highly specialized scientists, a time-consuming and expensive approach.

The DNA multiscan, based on proven and reliable technology, offers a unique alternative for the detection of several micro-organisms of key importance in plant health. Healthier crops result in higher yields for producers.

At present, the system is used to identify pathogens in turf, greenhouse vegetables and flowers, and certain field crops. Water, soil, and plant tissues can be screened for up to 60 different fungi in a single cost-
effective assay.

Regular DNA multiscan testing of greenhouse water solutions allows growers to monitor the population of some key micro-organisms and take the necessary actions before damage to the crop is observed and starts affecting the yields. A DNA multiscan monitoring program provides the definitive information to optimize the use of pesticides, reducing operating costs and any environmental impact.

European producers already benefit from the competitive advantage offered by this unique detection tool. Laboratory Services is offering the DNA multiscan service to all Canadian growers through authorized distributors, a first in North America.

A DNA multiscan® test sample.

DNA multiscan® provides growers with a complete picture on microbial population in water, soil and plants, allowing for informed decisions for plant health management to reduce costs and increase yields.

• www.labservices.uoguelph.ca, 519-767-6299