Project number: 18.00.13.11.01

Developing Methods for Molecular Diagnostics and Epidemiology of Agronomically Relevant Organisms

The correct identification of agriculturally important pests and diseases is an essential pillar of successful and sustainable plant protection. In this project, we develop the latest genetic diagnostic methods for the quick and reliable on-site identification of harmful and beneficial organisms. The methods also permit genetic characterisation, such as e.g. the presence of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, or pesticide resistance in arthropods, and even allow us to narrow down the place of origin of the organisms. This information constitutes an important basis for preventing the introduction of undesirable organisms in Switzerland, as well as for refining plant protection strategies.

Frei D., Veekman E., Grogg D., Stoffel-Studer I., Morishima A., Shimizu-Inatsugi R., Yates S., Shimizu K., Frey J. E., Studer B., Copetti D.
Ultralong Oxford Nanopore reads enable the development of a reference-grade perennial ryegrass genome assembly.
Genome Biology and Evolution, 13, (8), 2021, 1-6.

Trontin C., Agstner B., Altenbach D., Anthoine G., Bagińska H., Brittain I., Chabirand A., Chappé A.M., Dahlin P., Dreo T., Freye‐Minks C., Gianinazzi C., Harrison C., Jones G., Luigi M. and others
VALITEST: Validation of diagnostic tests to support plant health.
EPPO / OEPP Bulletin, 51, (1), 2021, 198-206.

Koutsovoulos G.D., Poullet M., Elashry A., Kozlowski D.K.L., Sallet E., Da Rocha M., Perfus-Barbeoch L., Martin-Jimenez C., Frey J. E., Ahrens C., Kiewnick S., Danchin E.G.J.
Genome assembly and annotation of Meloidogyne enterolobii, an emerging parthenogenetic root-knot nematode.
Scientific Data, 7, (1), 2020, 324-337.

Gueuning M., Frey J. E., Praz C.
Ultraconserved yet informative for species delimitation: UCEs resolve long‐standing systematic enigma in Central European bees.
Molecular Ecology, 29, (21), 2020, 4203-4220.

Blaser S., Diem H., von Felten A., Gueuning M., Andreou M., Boonham N., Tomlinson J., Müller P., Utzinger J., Frey J. E., Bühlmann A.
From laboratory to point of entry: development and implementation of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)-based genetic identification system to prevent introduction of quarantine insect species.
Pest Management Science, 74, (6), 2018, 1504-1512.

Schneeberger P.H.H., Coulibaly J.T., Panic G., Daubenberger C., Gueuning M., Frey J. E., Keiser J.
Investigations on the interplays between Schistosoma mansoni, praziquantel and the gut microbiome.
Parasites & Vectors, 11, 2018, 168.

Christen V., Schirrmann M., Frey J. E., Fent K.
Global transcriptomic effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of the neonicotinoids clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam in honey bees (Apis mellifera).
Environmental Science & Technology, 2018.