Comprehensive diagnosis
COMPREHENSIVE DIAGNOSIS
In some cases, visual and microscopic examination are not sufficient to reach a diagnosis. Further testing is then required to identify the pathogen. We will carry this out in consultation with you.
Various types of follow-up testing are possible. Pathogenic bacteria or fungi are often cultured from affected tissue and identified (bacterial or fungal diagnostics). If unknown bacteria or fungi are found, or if identification at the species level is required, DNA testing can be used to further determine the identity of the pathogen (Bacteria or fungus determination). Material can also be tested for the presence of viruses or nematodes (virus or nematode diagnostics). For hyacinth, iris, muscari, and dahlia, there is a rapid test for aggressive snot (caused by Dickeya bacteria), for which you will receive the results the same day ( Dickeya diagnostics). We also offer a PCR test for Dickeya, with results available within eight working days. PCR can also be used to test for the Pco bacterium (Pectobacterium carotovorum ssp. odoriferum), which causes the disease known as 'the new snot'. We recommend testing for both Dickeya and Pco to determine the cause of slime.
For hyacinth and Eucomis, you can have bulb or leaf material tested by us for infection with the bacterium Xanthomonas hyacinthi (Diagnostics yellow disease). We assess the material visually and perform a rapid test for yellow disease bacteria, the results of which you will receive the same day. To confirm the rapid test, the material is then tested for yellow disease using PCR. You will receive the results within five working days (counted from the day after receipt of the sample).
Specifically for tulips and Allium, you can have your bulbs tested for tulip gall mites (Aceria tulipae). We examine the bulbs (maximum of 50 per sample) under a microscope for symptoms and the presence of tulip gall mites (Tulip gall mite diagnostics). We will send you the percentage of infected bulbs within five working days (counting from the day after receipt). In exceptional cases, this turnaround time may vary.
Sometimes research shows that no pathogen can be identified as the cause of a problem. In such cases, there is often a physiological abnormality. These are problems during growth and/or storage caused by weather conditions, soil conditions, or storage conditions. With our extensive experience and expertise, we can also determine the cause of these physiological abnormalities in most cases.
Diagnostics
Examples of issues for which we have conducted a comprehensive diagnosis:
• Determine whether disease symptoms in tulip bulbs are caused by black bacterial rot (Burkholderia) or heat damage (Diagnostics bacteria).
• Identification of bacteria that cause bulb rot in Allium species (diagnostic identification of bacteria).
• Determine which type of fungus is causing root rot in peonies (fungal diagnosis).
• Investigate whether necrotic leaf rings are caused by a viral infection (Virus diagnostics).
• Testing tulip bulbs for infection with stem nematodes (nematode diagnostics).
• Testing crocus bulbs for infection with crocus bulb nematodes (nematode diagnostics).
• Determining the cause of slime symptoms in hyacinth bulbs ( Dickeya diagnostics).
• Testing hyacinths for infection with Xanthomonas hyacinthi (Diagnostics for yellow disease).
• Testing tulip and Allium bulbs for infection with tulip gall mites (Tulip gall mite diagnostics).
• Investigate the cause of leaf abnormalities and dried flower buds in peonies (leaf miners or (night) frost damage).
Do you want to know more?
If you want more information or want to know what we can offer you,
please contact us via the contact form. Or call us.
BQ Support
Zwartelaan 2
2161 AL, Lisse