Research project Inventory and validation of quality control procedures for the extraction of nucleic acids used for diagnosis
General introduction
The IVENAD research project has provided diagnostic laboratories for detecting plant pathogens new, consolidated quality control guidelines for nucleic acid extraction. This is a procedure done in RNA and DNA extractions when diagnostic labs and National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) need to determine whether plant pathogens are present or not. In broad plant health research, this standardization gives the labs and the economic sectors involved a firm handhold, as it increases the reliability of finding plant pathogens.
Research approach
More than 30 laboratories collaborated in this transnational project. The first step was a comprehensive inventory of DNA and RNA extraction methods used in plant health research, supplemented by a literature review. Based on this, theoretically optimal protocols were selected. In the next step, 21 internal controls were tested on five matrices (leaf, seeds, tubers, petioles and insects). Finally, 14 internal controls were selected for interlaboratory comparison (ILC) on the same matrices. The results of this ILC formed the basis for writing uniform guidelines.
Relevance/Valorization
The developed guidelines promote standardized extraction procedures in diagnostic laboratories, making results more reliable and comparable. This benefits diagnostics as well as the agricultural sector via improved detection and early control of pathogens. The uniform procedures also support international cooperation and trade by ensuring consistency in diagnostic quality.
