Plant Health

Susceptibility to diseases in a greenhouse is not restricted to above-ground plant tissue. Pathogens can also hide in the root environment. They are not visible to the naked eye; their presence only becomes apparent when the plant begins to exhibit damage. By then it’s too late! Eurofins Agro provides you with the tools for early detection of disease.  This enables you to take rapid action to minimise the effects.

DNA Multiscan

Our DNA Multiscan packages provide a quick routine scan to discover fungi and bacteria before any damage is visible. Water, plant and soil are checked using a DNA test. You will receive an examination report showing the extent of the damage.

How does DNA Multiscan work?

The sample material is placed in a bag with a sterile liquid medium. The cells of the plant material are destroyed, causing fungi and bacteria to be released into the sterile liquid. Through a specific procedure, all the DNA from a portion of this liquid is isolated and completely purified.

Through a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) the DNA present is multiplied. Consequently, a very small amount of DNA from fungi or bacteria can already be detected, identifying infection at the earliest stage. Action can then be taken before the damage gets out of hand.

When the DNA is multiplied through the PCR it is brought into contact with a membrane containing unique codes that correspond with the DNA of more than 50 fungi or 10 bacteria. When one of these fungi and bacteria is present in the sample, the DNA will adhere itself to the corresponding place on the membrane.

The final step is to make the adhered fungi and bacteria visible. A light reaction shows the places where the membrane adhesion has taken place.

What pathogens can DNA Multiscan detect?

The DNA Multiscan method is capable of detecting a wide range of fungi and bacteria.  For ease, we offer crop-specific screening packages.  For full details of pathogens included in each package, please click here. 

Taking a sample for DNA Multiscan

Plant, soil, seed or water samples should be taken from plots or zones where the harmful organisms are still active.  Take sample prior to carrying out any pesticide treatments. 

• Water samples can be taken from drain water, river water, basins, lakes or spring water. Take a sample of at least 250 ml in a clean bottle.
• Soil Samples: Take at least 40 soil samples per hectare. Soil samples can be taken as a preventive check.
• Plant Samples: Collect at least 2-5 plants.  Always include the roots and stem base.

Plant Doctor

When your plants are diseased or already showing abnormalities, you need to discover the root cause as quickly as possible. That’s the only way to ensure the proper treatment is applied and the risk of spreading is minimised. Eurofins Agro’s PlantDoctor gives a fast and reliable diagnosis and advises you on the necessary measures.

Our Plant Doctors will launch an extensive investigation into fungi, bacteria, insects/pests and viruses.  Drawing on years of experience, our Plant Doctors will make use of a range of techniques including ELISA for common viruses, microscopy for nematodes and fungi and plating methods for bacteria and fungi.  We can also detect most pathogens by using DNA techniques including DNA Multiscan and quantitative PCR.  

The analysis duration is dependent on the nature of the problem. Where required, we will consult with you upon receipt of the sample and when the results are ready. The analysis report includes
a description of the problem as well as advice on preventive measures, and curative measures when required.