Plant protection
Monitoring of moths
According to pheromone, different species are attracted and stay caught in the pheromone trap (Delta trap).
Infestation control
The microscope is used to check whether the spotted wing drosophila has infested the raspberries.
Sample preparation
Samples are taken from the plant tissues. The damage to the fruit is analysed here, in order to isolate the pathogen that caused it.
Sterile environment
All activities requiring a sterile environment such as the multiplication of micro-organisms are conducted under a sterile hood. Otherwise, contact with the ambient air could lead to contamination with fungal spores.
The brown marmorated stink bug
(Halyomorpha halys) is an invasive pest from East Asia that causes devastating losses among a range of different crops, but primarily apples, peaches, tomatoes, soya, pepper and maize. Since it was first found in 2004 in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, it has been expanding its range across Europe. In South Tyrol its presence was first proved in 2016. Laimburg Research Centre examines the behaviour and biology of this pest and carries out method testing in order to develop effective strategies to combat it.
Initial assessment of the samples
A sample is initially assessed visually in order to identify the problem and then proceed with the correct analyses.
Centrifuge
Autoclave
Gastight sealable pressure container with which samples can be sterilised.
Microscope objective view
Here, microbiological analyses of fungal, bacterial or plant tissue preparations are displayed for the identification of morpho-anatomical structures
Extraction of nucleic acid
In order to identify the correct pathogen, nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) must be extracted from the micro-organisms.
UV transilluminator
This device is used to view the extracted nucleic acids (DNA, RNA) that have been separated by agarose gel electrophoresis. When the stained gel is subjected to a UV light source, the DNA fluoresces and becomes visible. Apart from the observation of samples, the device is also used to measure a PCR product, to clean DNA segments, to quantify DNA or to test the integrity of RNA after extraction.
Electrophoresis
This analytical method in biology and medicine is based on the ability to separate different length molecules from one another in an electrical field. The method is used to analyse nucleic acids.
Incubators
The micro-organisms that are insulated and cultivated in the test tube need controlled conditions, e.g. a constant warm temperature in order to grow well.
SpeedVac
This device is used to quickly concentrate small sample quantities . It uses centrifugation, vacuum and heat to remove solvents and concentrate samples while maintaining sample integrity.
Centrifuge
This is used to accelerate the separation between bodies of different densities through the use of centrifugal force. This process is based on the phenomenon of sedimentation of a solid body of high density mixed with a fluid of lower density.
Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
Method of separating molecules, especially of proteins and nucleic acids.
PCR cabinet
The cabinet creates a protective environment for the preparation of samples for PCR and thus helps prevent undesirable cross contamination of different samples, which could lead to false positive test results.
Centrifuge
Confocal microscope
It is possible to map the smallest structures within a cell using this microscope. Using a laser beam, the device scans different levels in a cell layer and maps them point by point. The cellular structures are made visible using fluorescence staining. In this way, within the cell, proteins can be localised and the interactions between bacteria or their constituent parts can be examined without having to prepare complex sections of the specimen.
Autoclave
Gastight sealable pressure container which is used for sterilising culture media. Culture media must be sterile in order to preserve pure fungal or bacterial cultures without contamination by other fungi or organisms.
Pebble mill
Plant parts such as roots or leaves can be ground with this type of mill.
Centrifuge
It is also possible to use the refrigeration option to work with lower temperatures.
Sample submission and preparation
Alternaria alternata
The alternaria fungus infests various wild and cultivated plants and is noticeable by its countless small (max. 5 mm) brown necroses on the leaves. These leaf samples are being tested for Alternaria.
Freeze drying plant
Freeze drying (liophilisation) is a method by which products can be dried with particular care.
Breeding Room 2: Brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys)
The brown marmorated stink bug is bred here. Its behaviour and biology must be closely studied in order to combat it. Brown marmorated stink bug egg clutches are also needed so as to be able to investigate how effectively the Samurai wasps are able to parasitise them.
Breeding Room 3: Spotted wing drosophila (Drosophyla suzukii)
The spotted wing drosophila is bred at Laimburg Research Centre with a view to studying its behaviour and biology and building on this to be able to develop an effective strategy to combat it.
Entomological laboratory
In entomology, baseline studies are carried out on the biology and ecology of harmful and beneficial organisms. Particular attention is paid in the process to the development of alternative methods to chemical plant protection.
Cage for rearing the codling moth (Cydia pomonella)
The codling moth is a major pest whose caterpillars cause some of the most significant harm to fruit cultivation. At Laimburg Research Centre the codling moth is subject to comprehensive examination, with various approaches to combating it being tested.
Cold store
For the preservation of samples
Breeding Room 1: Samurai wasp (Trissolcus japonicus)
A promising strategy for combating the brown marmorated stink bug is to use its natural adversary, the Samurai wasp. This wasp lays its eggs in the clutches of the brown marmorated stink bug and so prevents its reproduction. In 2020, Laimburg Research Centre was officially commissioned to breed and release these parasitoids for South Tyrol. The rearing takes place in this room.
Spotted wing drosophila (Drosophyla suzukii)
The spotted wing drosophila originates in Asia and since it first appeared in South Tyrol in 2011 has caused enormous damage to all areas of fruit cultivation. Laimburg Research Centre has been working on this insect pest since 2011, researching its biology and behaviour and conducting method testing in order to develop possible strategies to combat Drosophila. Monitoring is also fundamental - the incidence of the insect is monitored with the help of traps throughout South Tyrol. Here, the contents of one such trap are being examined.
Sample submission
The samples destined for analysis in the Laboratory of Virology and Diagnostics can be submitted here. The relevant cover note can be downloaded [here](https://www.laimburg.it/en/services/forms.asp).
ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay)
Using this antibody-based verification process, proteins (e.g. antibodies) and viruses, as well as low molecular-weight compounds such as hormones, toxins and pesticides in a sample (blood serum, milk, urine etc.) can be verified.
Thermocycler
Cyclical temperature changes are necessary for carrying out a PCR. This device is able to independently execute these temperature cycles required for the enzymatic amplification of DNA sequences.
Quantitative real-time PCR
With this method, which is based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR), genetic material (DNA) is multiplied in vitro. The method is used among other things to identify genetic diseases and viral infections or to generate and test genetic fingerprints.
Incubators
Controlled conditions for growth processes can be created and maintained in incubators. Each fungal culture needs a different temperature to grow well.
Fluorometer
Viruses in a plant sample can be identified using this device. The meter works on the basis of fluorescence spectroscopy: the sample is excited with UV light and the emission (fluorescence) that is sent back is measured.
Light microscope
The light microscope is usually used to examine fungi. The image shows the fine structures of pollen.
Stirrer
Liquids and reagents can be quickly mixed with this device.
Ultrasound bath
The vibrations caused by the ultrasound waves cause small bubbles to form in the water. In this way, liquids can be turned into emulsions and homogeneous substances can be produced, e.g. spore solutions of fungal cultures.
Bain-marie
Laboratory instrument for heating liquids or solids homogeneously up to a temperature of 100°C.
Wireless pH measurement
The device connects itself wirelessly to the probe via Bluetooth. Every micro-organism prefers a particular pH value at which it grows especially well. Therefore it is important to keep the pH values of culture media and culture liquids for cultivating bacteria and fungi under control and to be able to adjust them.
Vortex
: the homogenisation of liquid samples is facilitated by mechanical movement.
Colonies
In order to be able to quantify the size of a bacterial or fungal culture, the culture medium is placed on the device’s plate.
Quantitative real-time PCR
With this method, which is based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR), genetic material (DNA) is multiplied in vitro. The method is used among other things to identify genetic diseases and viral infections or to generate and test genetic fingerprints.
PHYTOPATHOLOGICAL LABORATORY
In phytopathology, various plant diseases are investigated. The most important plant diseases in South Tyrol are powdery mildew (oidium), downy mildew (peronospora), fire blight and botrytis.
INSTITUTE FOR PLANT HEALTH
Diseases and Pests
MICROSCOPY ROOM
LABORATORY FOR VIROLOGY AND DIAGNOSTICS
The laboratory is concerned with the diagnosis of known diseases in crops and ornamental plants caused by pathogens of various types such as bacteria, fungi, phytoplasms, viruses and viroids. Microbiological, serological and molecular biological methods are used to identify these pathogens.
UV cross-linker
In this ultraviolet (UV) light oven, nucleic acids are ‘cross-linked’ to the nylon or nitrocellulose membrane by exposure to UV light (cross-linking).
Samples to be analysed
ph. Laimburg Research Centre/ivo corrà
Brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys)
To watch the video in [German ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEjkxQGNlPQ) To watch the video in [Italian](https://youtu.be/pJOBkZU_cVQ)
