Date: 22 – 26 Jun 2015

This workshop focused on the collection of samples, laboratory techniques for processing samples, identification using morphology and extraction of DNA. The workshop covered the recognition and identification of selected Ascomycete genera, biological aspects of culturable Ascomycete fungi including their host specificity, phylogeny, importance and life cycles and the quarantine risk associated with species; and include an introduction to the objectives and mode of operation of the ASEAN Regional Diagnostic Network.

The diagnostic activity addresses gaps in Southeast Asian expertise in relation to techniques used to help identify groups of pests that are difficult to identify. This workshop provided a foundation for ASEAN countries to improve their regional diagnostic capacity by developing additional skills in identification techniques and improving networking among participating plant health professionals.

Lectures and practical in different topics:

• How morphology and DNA sequence data is used to identify and classify fungi. Introduction to species concepts and rules of nomenclature
• Colletotrichum – morphology, pathogenicity and phylogeny - workshop session
• Phyllosticta – morphology, pathogenicity and phylogeny - workshop session
• Diaporthe – morphology, pathogenicity and phylogeny - workshop session
• Bipolaris and Curvularia – morphology, pathogenicity and phylogeny - workshop session
• General DNA isolation protocol
• Introduction to molecular methods: PCR, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis

Resource persons

• Prof. Roger Shivas, Institute for Agriculture and the Environment, Research and Innovation Division, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland 4350, Australia
  Email: roger.shivas@usq.edu.au

Logistics Coordinator
• Dr Soetikno Sastroutomo, Technical Secretary, ASEANET, c/o CABI-SEA, P.O. Box 210, UPM Post, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
  Email: ssoetikno@gmail.com

Documents