PhytoTrace

Phytopathogen Identification

Identify the organism behind the lesion.

From €5/microorganism
FUNDÃO, PORTUGAL INDEPENDENT LABORATORY SOIL MICROBIOME

PhytoTrace identifies the microorganism behind a plant-health problem. Send symptomatic plant tissue — or soil to screen for pathogen DNA — and we identify the organism by DNA barcode sequencing (€35/microorganism) or, when the lesion is highly characteristic, by morphology (€5/microorganism). Results land in 10–12 working days; the upstream isolation step is quoted on request.

It is built for vineyard and orchard agronomists, growers and plant-health labs who need to name a suspected pathogen with confidence before deciding on a response. For the underlying barcoding method see BioID; to act on a confirmed problem with a tailored biological solution, see BioInoc.

Earlier identification supports faster, better-targeted decisions.

METHOD

Two Identification Routes

Send us plant samples — for example, leaves with visible lesions — or soil to screen for pathogen DNA and risk indicators. We isolate or extract the target, then identify it through one of two routes. DNA barcode sequencing follows the same pipeline as BioID and provides a presumptive identification at genus or species level. Morphological analysis is used when the lesion type is highly characteristic of a known phytopathogenic fungus.

Both routes deliver a final report with the identification and the supporting evidence (sequences for the molecular route, microscopy notes for the morphological route). The upstream isolation step is quoted on request, depending on the sample type and complexity.

PATHOGEN LIBRARY

These genera are among the most economically damaging soil-borne and plant pathogens in European agriculture, and illustrate the kinds of organisms PhytoTrace can identify from a culture or screen for in soil. Custom panels are available for specific crops or regions.

Fusarium Wilt, root rot, crown rot Cereals, tomato, banana
Phytophthora Late blight, root rot, dieback Potato, citrus, oak
Botrytis Grey mould, flower blight Grape, strawberry, lettuce
Rhizoctonia Damping off, root rot, web blight Rice, potato, turf
WHAT YOU GET
  • Sample isolation from plant tissue or soil (quoted on request)
  • Pathogen identification by DNA barcoding or morphology
  • Final report with the identification and supporting evidence
  • Sequence files for sequencing-based identifications
PRICING
SEQUENCING DNA barcode sequencing — €35 per microorganism (€32 above 10 microorganisms in the same submission).
MORPHOLOGICAL Microscopy-based identification when the lesion is highly characteristic — €5 per microorganism.
ISOLATION Upstream isolation step from plant tissue or soil — quoted on request, depending on sample type.
TURNAROUND 10–12 working days from sample receipt at the laboratory.
NEXT STEPS

Complementary Services

BioInoc Once the problem is identified, develop a tailored biological response — microbial consortia selected, formulated and validated for your system. Project-based. BioID The molecular identification engine behind PhytoTrace — name any already-isolated culture by ITS or 16S barcode. From €35/microorganism.
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Which pathogens can you identify?

Phytopathogenic fungi, bacteria and oomycetes — either through DNA barcode sequencing (process equivalent to BioID) or, when the lesion morphology is highly characteristic, by morphological analysis under the microscope.

How is the price set?

Sequencing-based identification is €35 per microorganism (€32 above 10). Morphological identification is €5 per microorganism. The upstream isolation step (when needed) is quoted on request, depending on the sample.

How long do results take?

Results are delivered within 10–12 working days from sample receipt at the laboratory.

Ready to start?

Send us your samples, share your research question, or tell us about your project — we'll design the right analytical protocol.

Request analysis