About the Workshop
This 3-day hands-on workshop will focus on molecular methods used in plant diagnostic laboratories, using bacterial plant pathogens. The goal of this training is to strengthen diagnostic capacity by combining practical laboratory exercises with expert-led instruction on molecular methods and bacterial diagnostics.
Location
UF Plant Diagnostic Center
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
Dates
February 24–26, 2026.
Participants can expect to learn about:
- Molecular detection and identification of bacterial plant pathogens
- Sample preparation considerations for bacterial diagnostics
- PCR- and sequencing-based methods used in diagnostic workflows
- Interpretation of molecular results in a diagnostic context
- Troubleshooting common challenges in molecular diagnostics
- Integration of molecular tools with traditional diagnostic methods
- The workshop will be taught by multiple subject matter experts from across the diagnostic network.
Subject Matter Experts
Molecular- Tom Rounsville and Olivia Choi, University of Maine
Bacterial- John Bonkowski, Purdue University
Agenda
Updated 1/23/2026
