On May 8, 2020, experts of “National Agrarian Science and Educational Center” JSC subsidiary – Zh. Zhiyembayev “Kazakh Research Institute for Plant Protection and Quarantine” LLP held another live broadcast on the topic "Molecular genetic identification of quarantine phytopathogens." Live broadcast was made by Senior Researcher of the Laboratory for Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, ICFLA Tursunova Alnura Kairatovna.

As it is known, the diseases are an integral part of the existence of any living organism. The pathological condition of plants causes a decrease in their productivity, resistance, and structural and physiological anomalies. Since most pathogens are microorganisms (fungi, bacteria, viruses), it is almost impossible to identify them without special equipment.

During the consultation, A. Tursunova spoke about the method of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This method is designed to detect nucleic acids of the pathogen. In this, it compares favorably with many traditional diagnostic methods, which ensure the detection of indirect signs of infection, giving only indirect evidence of the presence of the disease. The high specificity of the PCR method is due to the fact that a unique DNA fragment that is characteristic of a given pathogen is detected in the test material. Specificity is determined by the nucleotide sequence of the primers, which eliminates the possibility of obtaining false results. The PCR method is highly sensitive, making it possible to detect single bacterial cells or viral particles. The material for investigation by PCR is the DNA / RNA of the pathogen. The method is based on the identification of a DNA or RNA fragment that is specific for a particular organism.

A. Tursunova noted that for the PCR analysis it is not necessary to isolate and grow a culture of the pathogen, which takes a large amount of time. The unified method of material processing and detection of reaction products, automation of the amplification process make it possible to conduct a complete analysis in 4-4.5 hours. In this, it compares favorably with other laboratory methods that give slow results.

“The invention of PCR completely and irrevocably changed medicine, science and our life in general. There was an opportunity to quickly and efficiently diagnose hereditary diseases and infections, determine the identity of criminals by one hair and freely manipulate genes. Were it not for this unique method, humanity would hardly be on the verge of the era of gene therapy, ” - emphasized A. Tursunova, a senior research fellow at the institute.

The use of PCR in agriculture:

• Detection of pathogens (bacteria, fungi, viruses) in plants and animals.

• Diagnosis of hereditary diseases of domestic and farm animals.

• Analysis of food for the content of genetic modifications.

• Detection of the X chromosome in animals whose sex is difficult to determine with the naked eye: for example, fish, reptiles, parrots.