Use of Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Microscopy Method for Detection of Phyto-Fungal Pathogens

Abstract

Reliable and rapid identification of the fungal pathogens that cause plant diseases is playing an important role in their control strategies. The available methods for identification of fungi are time-consuming and not always very specific. Fourier-transform infrared microscopy is proving to be a reliable and sensitive method for detection of molecular changes in cells. Fungi pathogens display typical infrared spectra that differ from spectra of substrate material such as potato, which make it is possible to detect and identify such pathogens directly from the infected tissue. In addition, although different strains of the same fungi species display very similar infrared spectra, there are specific spectral differences between them that might be successfully used, with the assistance of advanced statistical methods, for the identification of these fungal strains.