Discussion Summary: Application of Biotechnology to the Systematics and Monitoring of Biocontrol Agents

摘要

The report is a general discussion of the application of biotechnology to the systematics and monitoring of microbial agents used in biotechnology. Present conventional methods such as microscopy, selective media, marker utilization, etc., were described. Two newer methods, rRNA sequencing and DNA amplification techniques were described and their usefulness in identifying and monitoring microbes used in biotechnology discussed. These were concluded to be the most useful new techniques. Automated methods for bacteria identification and quantification were discussed. These methods were shown to be in need of adaptation to agricultural agents. The relevance of these methodologies is to the Agency's regulation of biotechnology products.