- Objective Title:Diagnostic kit for selected species of fruit fly eggs and larvae
- Objective Title:Design of tephritid-specific DNA primers
7- PROTECTING AND FACILITATING MARKET ACCESS FOR HORTICULTURAL PRODUCTS
While the GATT outcome has given NZ more secure market access, there are a number of issues that require research as a result. MAF needs to ensure that non-tariff trade barriers, such as placing treatment conditions on imports or refusal of imports, are scientifically justifiable. This requires gathering information on pest and diseases of proposed imports.
Operational research in this area supports the activities of the Chief Plants Officer, Richard Ivess, and his operation which seeks to enhance agricultural security and facilitate market access for New Zealand’s horticultural products.
7.1.1
| Objective Title:Diagnostic kit for selected species of fruit fly eggs and larvae Research Leader:Dr K Armstrong Institution:Lincoln University |
The PCR-RFLP analysis of rDNA has continued to prove a rapid and robust means of distinguishing fruit fly species. This objective proposes to construct a DNA-test kit for quarantine use. The kit will include a detailed protocol together with a reference set of standard DNA samples from each species, along with PCR primers and reagents and a photographic representation of the diagnostic RFLP patterns. The protocol will be intended for use with a range of DNA qualities and quantities from any stage of the insect’s life cycle. Modifications will be included, where appropriate, to enable its use with single eggs and with a number of named brands of PCR machines.
7.1.2
| Objective Title:Design of tephritid-specific DNA primers Research Leader:Dr K Armstrong Institution:Lincoln University |
At present the DNA approach offers considerable advantage over diagnostic practices currently available to the quarantine service. Effectiveness of the technique would, however, be significantly enhanced if we could,
- interference from contaminating DNA by designing tephritid-specific PRC primers; and
- species, with as yet common RFLP patterns, by identifying appropriate restriction sites. To achieve this we propose using existing nucleotide sequence data as well as generating specific sequence data from selected species in this study. Improvement at this stage of development could determine adaptability of the technique in the future and possible changing quarantine requirements.
Contact for Enquiries
Farm Monitoring Programme Manager
Monitoring and Evaluation
MAF Policy
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0623
Fax: +64 4 894 0741
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