Fungal Genomics & Biology
Open Access

Abstract

Molecular Diagnostics in Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinics... What"s the Status?

Martin I. Chilvers

Plant disease diagnoses are typically based on consideration of all the evidence available, such as environmental conditions, plant symptoms and pathogen signs, site or field history and cultivar or�plant species affected. Often multiple diagnostic methods are used to confirm or support a suspected diagnosis, such as use of molecular diagnostic assays which determine the presence or absence of a disease causing agent. From an accurate diagnosis, steps can be taken to either treat or manage the disease including, plant or cultivar selection, change in cultural or agronomic practices that influence disease, pesticide applications, biological control agents and in some situations quarantine or destruction of plants and plant products.