Abstract: A method for detecting and localizing single base substitutions in RNA or DNA that involves RNAase A cleavage of single base mismatches in RNA:RNA or RNA:DNA heteroduplexes. A RNA probe complementary to wild type DNA is annealed to the test DNA containing a single base substitution. Many of the possible single base mismatches can be cleaved by RNAase A. The location of the single base substitution can be determined by analyzing the sizes of the RNA cleavage products.

Abstract: A bacterial suspension is contacted by a single vavelength in the ultra-violet range. A portion of the light energy used is absorbed and a portion of the light energy is emitted. The emitted light energy, resonance enhanced Raman scattering, is measured as backscattered energy. The energy is processed to produce spectra which are characteristic of the bacteria.

Abstract: Sclerotinia stem rot, caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (L ib.) de Bary, is a major disease of rapeseed (canola) in western Canada and many other parts of the world. Significant yield losses result from severe crop infestatons. A method of stem rot disease forecasting is disclosed. The method is based on the relationship discovered between infestation of top plant parts with spores of the fungus at early bloom and subsequent disease incidence. Also disclosed are media compositions, which facilitate rapid growth of S. sclerotiorum from plant parts under non-sterile conditions and thereby permit detection of the fungus. This forecasting system allows improved disease risk assessement in advance of the need for spraying against sclerotinia stem rot.

Abstract: Fluorometric immunological assay method in which an antigen is attached onto magnetic particles, which are, for the time of measurement, pulled against the wall of the measurement vessel by means of the magnetic field. The magnetic particles adhering to the vessel walls are irradiated and the resultant emitted fluorescence is measured.