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Agdia Now Accepting Hemp Samples for Pathogen Testing

Following decades of service to food crop and ornamental growers, Agdia’s in-house diagnostic laboratory is now offering its expansive disease testing program to the hemp market.

Deborah (Debi) Groth-Helms is the Director of Agdia’s Testing Services department. “We are excited to finally offer our comprehensive virus testing program to hemp growers and diagnosticians. For years we have worked with stock and seed producers in screening propagative tissues for the presence of key pathogens. Now we can help bolster the US hemp industry in their efforts to produce the healthiest plants possible.”

Agdia Testing Services offers multiple screening options and works with clients in customizing screens to best suit their needs. The basic Hemp Screen includes a panel of a dozen different tests for viruses, viroids, and other microorganisms.

According to Debi, “Information is being rapidly released on what causes disease in Cannabis. Having a big catalog of services already in place allows us to quickly respond to new reports. Experience working with closely related plant species helps us know what to monitor before an outbreak occurs.”

Included in the Hemp Screen are tests for Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Hop latent viroid (HLVd), and many others. The Curto-Becurtovirus Group test listed in the screen detects all of the various virus species associated with Beet curly top disease. Additional tests are also available for less common or emerging pathogens. These highly sensitive molecular assays can be used to detect diseases such as witches’ broom (Phytoplasma Group PCR) and Lettuce chlorosis virus (Closteroviridae Group PCR).

Currently the laboratory is only accepting hemp tissues from US submitters that hold an active hemp license through the USDA, their state government, or tribal entity.  Information on hemp licensing and the 2018 Farm Bill can be found on the USDA’s website. The laboratory recommends shipping plant material with the United States Postal Service (USPS) along with a completed sample submission form.

Information on how to send samples can be found on the Agdia website. Questions regarding samples, customized screens, requests for quotes, and all other inquiries can be sent to info@agdia-emea.com

Agdia Commercializes ToBRFV ImmunoStrip® to Complete Diagnostic Suite

Agdia, Inc. (Elkhart, IN) has added an to their Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) diagnostic suite. Their ImmunoStrip® for ToBRFV is the third diagnostic assay launched by Agdia in the first half of 2021 for detection of this pathogen. Their high-specificity ELISA assay for ToBRFV was released on January 7, followed by a rapid molecular AmplifyRP® XRT for ToBRFV on January 12.

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Tomato brown rugose fruit virus is a resistance-breaking Tobamovirus that causes severe economic losses in solanaceous crops, including Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) and Capsicum spp. (pepper). It causes symptoms typical of Tobamoviruses that include mosaic and chlorosis on the leaves and discoloration and deformation of the fruit.  These symptoms decrease yield and render fruit unmarketable.

Tomato and pepper seeds, transplants and fruits from certain countries are subject to a USDA-APHIS Federal Import Order in the United States. Tomato brown rugose fruit virus has also been classified as a quarantine pathogen by EPPO (European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization).

Agdia’s ImmunoStrip® for ToBRFV has been validated for use with tomato, pepper and petunia samples and has been tested against ToBRFV isolates from around the globe.

Cross-reactivity was observed with a Tomato mottle mosaic virus (ToMMV) sample. Very mild cross-reactivity was observed with Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) samples. No other cross-reactions were observed when testing other Tobamoviruses, including Bell pepper mosaic virus (BPeMV), Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV), Kyuri green mottle mosaic virus (KGMMV), Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV), Tobacco mild green mosaic virus (TMGMV), and Zucchini Green Mottle Mosaic Virus (ZGMMV).

Agdia’s ImmunoStrip® platform provides end-users with a high level of utility. ImmunoStrips® are fit for use in the lab or in the field by those having no previous diagnostic experience, and results are visualized within 30 minutes.  Increasing levels of market demand persists for field-deployable plant pathogen detection products and Agdia maintains they will continue to expand this area of their catalog.

Agdia Adds to Diagnostic Suite for ToBRFV with Release of a Rapid, RNA-based Isothermal Molecular Kit

Agdia, Inc. (Elkhart, IN) has added another test kit to their Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) diagnostic suite. AmplifyRP® XRT for ToBRFV is the second of three ToBRFV diagnostic assays to be launched by Agdia in the first half of 2021. Their high-specificity ELISA assay for ToBRFV was released on January 7. An ImmunoStrip® lateral flow device for ToBRFV is expected to be released in the coming months (Q1 or Q2 of 2021.)

Agdia’s AmplifyRP® XRT for ToBRFV has been validated for use with tomato and pepper seeds and leaf. As a rapid, field-deployable molecular method requiring far less training than traditional PCR methods, this assay provides users with greater flexibility to deploy detection capabilities where they need it, when they need it. Use cases for this assay include:

  • Laboratory-based molecular diagnosis with crude or purified extracts with faster time-to-result than traditional PCR or qPCR methods. This assay can be used with Agdia’s AmpliFire® isothermal fluorometer or with most commonly-used real-time PCR machines.
  • In-field monitoring at remote production sites as a stand-alone assay.
  • Directly test ELISA extracts for molecular confirmation of serological screening results, allowing you to act immediately to address production issues.

Agdia’s AmplifyRP® XRT for ToBRFV is highly specific to ToBRFV and has been experimentally proven to detect isolates from around the world. No cross-reactivity was observed with high titer samples from other Tobamoviruses, including Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV), Kyuri green mottle mosaic virus (KGMMV), Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV), Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), Tobacco mild green mosaic virus (TMGMV), Zucchini Green Mottle Mosaic Virus (ZGMMV) and more.

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus is a resistance-breaking Tobamovirus that causes severe economic losses in solanaceous crops, including Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) and Capsicum spp. (pepper). It causes symptoms typical of Tobamoviruses that include mosaic and chlorosis on the leaves and discoloration and deformation of the fruit.  These symptoms decrease yield and render fruit unmarketable.

Tomato and pepper seeds, transplants and fruits from certain countries are subject to a USDA-APHIS Federal Import Order in the United States. Tomato brown rugose fruit virus has also been classified as a quarantine pathogen by EPPO (European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization).

Challenges of Phytopathologists working in the Seed Industry workshop

  • Agdia-Emea w

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION

  • Subject: Challenges of Phytopathologists working in the Seed Industry                    
  • Date: Wednesday 22 March 2017
  • Time: 9.00 – 17.30
  • Location: Naktuinbouw, Sotaweg 22, Roelofarendsveen

New Four-Trait ImmunoStrip® for Testing Bollgard II® XtendFlex® Cotton

Agdia, Inc (Elkhart, IN) has announced the release of a new ImmunoStrip for detection of DMO, CP4 EPSPS, Bt-Cry2Ab, and Bt-Cry1Ac proteins in cotton seed and leaves.

Extremely fast and easy to use, this new ImmunoStrip is specially designed for single seed and single leaf testing and typically provides results within 3 to 5

 

minutes

after sample preparation.  Four independent test lines on the ImmunoStrip clearly identify and discriminate the target proteins when present in the sample.

The Agdia DMO, CP4 EPSPS, Bt-Cry2Ab, and Bt-Cry1Ac ImmunoStrip is available in 50-count packages. ImmunoCombs® are also available for high-throughput testing in 48- plate formats. As with all Agdia agricultural diagnostic products, the four-trait ImmunoStrip is backed by an extremely knowledgeable technical support team.

To order or learn more about Agdia’s four-trait ImmunoStrip for DMO, CP4 EPSPS, Bt-Cry2Ab, and Bt-Cry1Ac e-mail us at info@agdia-emea.com, phone +33 1 60 78 81 64

Bollgard®, Bollgard II®, Roundup Ready® Flex, and XtendFlex® are registered trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC.

Agdia-Emea participation to USAID MLN Project Workshop at Nairobi

We are pleased to announce our participation as speakers to the USAID-funded MLN (Maize Lethal Necrosis) Project Inception Workshop (Nov 10, 2015) at Nairobi, Kenya.
USAID has recently approved a Project led by CIMMYT on Controlling the spread and impact of MLN in Sub-Saharan Africa through improved diagnostic capacity and MCMV-free commercial seed production.

Agdia-Emea and Agdia Inc. will present the MLN detection tool box including ImmunoStrip (Flashkit) quick tests and ELISA kits for MCMV and other viruses involved in the disease development.

We look forward to interact with the stakeholders participating in this meeting, which will include scientists from public and private sector institutions, representatives of National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) and commercial seed sector, and USAID.

Job offer at Agdia,Inc: Account Manager Vegetable, Citrus, and Seed Health

Job Title: Account Manager Vegetable, Citrus, and Seed Health

Department/Group: Sales and Marketing

Location: Elkhart, Indiana, USA.

Travel Required: Yes

Position Type: Full-time

Job Description

Agdia, Inc is the leading developer and manufacturer of test kits for detection of plant pathogens and transgenic traits (GMO’s). Agdia products and services are used all over the world by an extensive range of clientele who are responsible for assessing crop quality. Agdia’s mission is to assist all facets of crop production grow high quality, healthy, and profitable crops through routine testing and management of plant disease and transgenic traits.

 

Job Purpose:

Agdia is seeking a motivated and results driven individual to strengthen and expand our market share in domestic and international vegetable, citrus, and seed health markets. Agdia serves more than 135 countries with diagnostic products and services through direct sales as well as a network of distributors. The person filling this position will ultimately be responsible for identifying new business opportunities and growing annual revenues within their designated area(s) of responsibility (market segments).

 

Duties:

– Maintain a working relationship with an already established customer base in person and via phone and emails

– Cold calling to arrange teleconferences or face-to-face meetings with new prospects

– Understanding clients’ business operations as it relates to plant health and diagnostic needs.

– Representing Agdia at tradeshows or technical meetings

– Gathering market and customer intelligence and disseminating that information within a CRM system and via other communication channels where necessary

– Advise in new product development and / or product improvements based on customer / market intelligence

– Negotiating price and delivery with customers

– Prepare quotations and / or taking orders from customers

– Travel domestically and internationally where applicable.

– Routinely review accounts for sales performance and convey buying trends to employers

– Attending team project and / or sales meetings

– Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading trade publications.

– Work in a capacity where he or she takes ownership for their responsibilities, successes, and failures.

– Grow Agdia’s market share and revenues with existing and new client base

 

Skills/Qualifications:

– Bachelor’s degree in a Plant Pathology, business, or marketing related field.

– Experience in horticulture and / or plant pathology

– Sales and / or marketing experience in addition to horticulture and / or plant pathology would be a huge plus

– Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft office suite.

– Ability to speak Spanish would be a plus.

– Must have an acute attention to detail

– Must be outgoing, willing to share ideas and contribute to a team working environment.

Applications accepted by: Fax or Email to Mr Keith Schuetz, Marketing Director.

Fax: +1 574-264-2153 / kschuetz@agdia.com

www.agdia.com

 

Nucleic Acid Hybridization Assay for Avocado sunblotch viroid (ASBVd)

avocado_smallASBVd is found in avocado growing regions worldwide. Trees infected with ASBVd can result in a loss of yield and / or production of unmarketable fruit. However, symptoms are not always present making pro-active testing a critical disease control measure.

Agdia’s ASBVd Nucleic Acid Hybridization Assay is a convenient and economical method for testing hundreds of trees at once. Its high sensitivity allows combining up to 8 leaves from each of 4 trees, or a total of 32 leaves, for analysis. The assay’s limit of detection is approximately 12.5 picograms of in vitro expressed ASBVd RNA.

End-users are only required to prepare the sample extracts and spot them onto a specially treated membrane, which is provided in the kit. Once this is completed, the membrane is then shipped to Agdia’s Testing Services Department where the chemiluminescent hybridization is performed by highly trained technicians. This analysis is included the price. Results are usually reported within two to four business days of our laboratory receiving the membrane for analysis.

Also Available for Avocado

For customers that wish to mail samples to Agdia Testing Services, we now offer an avocado screen that includes testing for:

Avocado sunblotch viroid (ASBVd), Phytophthora (Phyt), Xanthomonas campestris (Xc)

For more information on how to send in samples, please contact us info@agdia-emea.com.

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