Molecular Pathogen and Pest Detection Lab

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum

Anthracnose is a yield-reducing factor of strawberries and other small fruits in our production region. Its control is highly dependent on fungicide application. Resistance to the QoI fungicides (FRAC code 11) has been detected. This service helps growers detect potential QoI fungicide- resistance among Colletotrichum strains in their fields. Early detection is important for preventing disease outbreaks and saving resources.

Gray mold caused by Botrytis

Gray mold (Botrytis blight) is a yield-reducing disease of strawberries and other crops in our region. Its control is highly dependent on fungicide application. Resistance to fungicides of several FRAC groups has been detected. This service helps growers detect potential fungicide-resistance among Botrytis strains in their fields. A total of 10 fungicides belonging to seven FRAC groups are tested for each sample. Early detection and resistance profiling are important for preventing disease outbreaks and saving resources.

Identification of macro and micro-fungi

This service helps clients identifying fungal specimens to genus or species level. Disclaimer: The Molecular Pathogen and Pest Detection Lab does not process any samples that are or may contain human and animal pathogenic fungi. Our reports should not be used to determine whether the mushrooms are edible. Clemson University Department of Plant Industry labs do not accept liability or responsibility for any consequences resulting from the use of our reports to determine the edibility of mushrooms.

Colloquially known as the "killer bees"

Africanized honey bees (AHB) cannot be distinguished from European honey bees easily. The Bee Services section of the Molecular Pathogen and Pest Detection Lab utilizes a molecular technique to identify AHB. This technique is much faster and more accurate than traditional techniques. The purpose of this service is to support South Carolina beekeepers in the early detection of AHB.

Honey bee foulbrood diseases

Honey bees in our region are threatened by two diseases, American foulbrood (AFB) and European foulbrood (EFB). AFB is a regulated bacterial disease caused by Paenibacillus larvae. It is the most destructive of the honey bee brood problems. EFB is a disease caused by a different bacterium, Melissococcus plutonius. Therefore, EFB should not be confused with AFB. The Bee Services section of the Molecular Pathogen and Pest Detection Lab utilizes molecular techniques to help our beekeepers detect these bacterial pathogens and differentiate AFB from EFB