Project Number: 1275-22000-215-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Jun 03, 2004
End Date: Apr 30, 2008

Objective:
1) Process samples and materials for all of the electron microscopy needs of researchers at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) and other collaborators and facilitate the imaging of experimental materials using an array of electron microscopy techniques. 2) Develop new techniques and methodologies in electron microscopy, specific to individual research projects, for achieving previously unobtainable data and improvement of the quality of results. 3) Provide computer support, image digitization and production of publication quality images for researchers utilizing photographs generated through electron microscopy.

Approach:
Sample materials including healthy and diseased plant materials, mites, insects, fungi, viral pathogens, nematode pests, animal and human parasites, non-biological materials, food products, snow and ice crystals and numerous other materials will be imaged at the BARC Electron Microscopy Unit (EM Unit) using a range of electron microscopy techniques and instrumentation. In some instances it is not possible to meet the specific and diverse specimen preparation needs of a range of plant, animal, microbe, and other research projects using standard approaches. In such cases, procedures, devices, and methods will be developed and/or adapted in consultation with individual researchers to produce optimal results. The EM Unit has computer equipment, servers, data storage devices, DVD, CD and slide writers, scanners and printers and associated software for the production of quality photographs and publication ready documents and files. Utilizing this equipment and the IT skills available in the EM Unit, unique applications of computer technology will be used for colorization of black and white electron microscope images of mites and other biological tissues with true colors as seen using light microscopy. Training will also be provided to staff of collaborating scientists to assist in creating and enhancing images.

Project Team

Erbe, Eric

Related National Programs

Plant Diseases (303)