Emerging Technologies for Border Diagnostics

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Project status: 
In Progress
Project Leader(s): 
Dr Karen Armstrong, Lincoln University
Team Member(s): 
Dr Shelley Ball, Sam Brown
Team Member(s): 
Peter Holder, Dr. Tim Clough
Team Member(s): 
Dr. Russel Frew
Team Member(s): 
George Gill
Team Member(s): 
Anastasia Chomic, Prof. John Hampton
Team Member(s): 
Assoc. Prof. Mike Pearson
Team Member(s): 
Dr. Louise Winder
Team Member(s): 
Dr. John Fletcher
Team Member(s): 
Dr. Gerard Clover
Emerging Technologies for Border Diagnostics (Photo credits - images 1,3,6, Bugwood.org)

With the potential to supply biosecurity authorities with valuable information required for operational decisions, this programme explores state-of-the-art analytical techniques for border diagnostics.

We work closely with MAFBNZ to stay informed of the changing biosecurity needs of New Zealand and ensure that our research makes current border diagnostic practices more efficient and flexible.

This programme comprises three major projects:

DNA Barcoding

Stable isotopes as geo-location markers of exotic insects

Better Border Biosecurity (B3)

Future research directions
The rate of DNA barcode data aquistion is expected to reach one million barcodes per year and in January next year, we will start a new project to capitalise on mega-datasets. Our aim: to create a comprehensive barcode library of invasive and quarantine pests.

The abundance of DNA barcode data also means it is possible to develop new diagnostic tools, based on technology platforms such as DNA macro-arrays and nanotechnology but based on DNA barcodes. We will pursue this idea from early 2009.

Other related research

Previous projects

 

 

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