Project

Detection of the pathogen of micro drones (Type 3)

Code
17803408
Duration
01 November 2008 → 31 October 2010
Funding
Regional and community funding: IWT/VLAIO
Promotor
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Plant biology
  • Agricultural and food sciences
    • Agricultural plant production
    • Horticultural production
Keywords
bumblebees
 
Project description

The main objective of this project is to develop a molecular diagnostic tool box which determines the rate of infection from pathogens micro drones. Using this pathogen detection system, a thorough health check in the drone nursery place and lead to pathogen-free bumblebees. The diagnostic toolbox allows the drone breeder is able to assign a label "pathogen free" his bumblebee colonies and thus to secure the export of its products. The diagnostic detection method must meet a number of aspects: - the sensitivity of the technique is to ensure the absence of pathogens - the presence of pathogens is followed preferentially in a quantitative manner - the technique must be specific and, if necessary pathotypes must be identifiable - the technique should be routinely executable in a lab environment, and preferably completely automated.