University of Tokyo Develops New Bacteria Detection Systems for Plant Disease

A research team headed by Professor Shigeto Namba at the University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, announced on February 9, 2011, that it had developed a suite of fast and simple pathogenic microorganism detection systems. Their research results were published online on January 27 in "PLoS ONE," a US science journal.

The research team developed a selective media design method called SMART to culture target pathogenic microorganisms. Selective media utilizing SMART specifically allows targeted bacteria to grow while inhibiting the growth of unintended microorganisms, which often grow on conventional media and make bacteria detection difficult. Building on the SMART method, the team also established four new highly sensitive detection systems that are simple, quick, and low-cost.

The newly developed detection kit does not require farmers to own any special technologies or facilities to carry out bacteria detection testing on their own. Its bacteria counting feature helps determine the infection level, which in turn can help reduce pesticide use. The kit also has possibilities for wider applications in medical diagnosis, quarantine inspection, and the discovery of useful environmental microorganisms.

Oil Company Sells Microbial Pesticides for Organic Farming (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/en/pages/029856.html
Constructed Wetland Facility Established by Japanese University Purifies Livestock Farming Drainage (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/en/pages/029539.html
Mold Found to Decompose Biodegradable Plastics Effectively (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/en/pages/028852.html

Posted: 2011/06/10 06:00:15 AM