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New rapid diagnostic pest test to aid Western Australia’s grains industry

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Western Australian researchers have developed a rapid DNA-based diagnostic test to aid the State in the early detection of one of the world’s most unwanted grains pest.

Western Australian researchers have developed a rapid DNA-based diagnostic test to aid the State in the early detection of one of the world’s most unwanted grains pest.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development research officer Oonagh Byrne said researchers at South Perth modified a previously published overseas method and road-tested it as a high-throughput screening test for the Khapra beetle. “Khapra beetle, which is not found in Australia, is one of the most serious pests of stored grain products,” Dr Byrne said.

“This molecular test offers a quick ‘first pass’ screen for suspect specimens – assisting our valuable grains industry in proving absence of this pest to future-proof market access, and add to our tool kit in the event of a pest incursion.”

See full article at Agropages

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