Project Number: 3620-42000-031-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Nov 26, 2003
End Date: May 31, 2006

Objective:
Molecular genomic methods will be developed for rapid detection, identification and quantitation of food safety microorganisms to allow tracing their sources in the agricultural and general environments to facilitate their control and eradication. Focus will be on plant pathogenic and mycotoxigenic fungi, foodborne pathogenic bacteria and food spoilage yeasts.

Approach:
Multiple diagnostic gene sequences will be developed for phytopathogenic and toxigenic species for molds in the genera Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium and their relatives, for foodborne pathogenic bacteria assigned to Listeria and Clostridium, and for food spoilage yeasts. The gene sequences will be used to develop population- and species-specific molecular probes for rapid detection and for understanding the genetic diversity and relationships of each group of pathogens.