Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a diagnostic approach utilizing quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect quantitatively a pathogen of the genus Leifsonia that causes ratoon stunting disease (RSD) in sugarcane. This is a rapid, cost-effective and/or high sensitivity methodology for detecting this pathogen. The present invention relates to methods and kits for detecting a pathogen in a plant, plant part or plant cell from the Gramineae/Poaceae family, such as plants of the Saccharum spp, including sugarcane.

Abstract: A method for isolating genomic DNA (gDNA) from a biological material. In some embodiments, the method includes (a) contacting a sample that contains gDNA with a solution of hydroxide and a detergent under conditions and for a time sufficient to degrade a cell wall, a cell membrane, a nuclear membrane, a nucleoprotein, or combinations thereof and/or to denature the gDNA; (b) mixing into the solution resulting from step (a) a solution characterized by high salt and sufficient buffering capacity to reduce the pH of the solution to less than 10, thereby producing a neutralized solution; (c) centrifuging the sample at a speed and length of time sufficient to clarify the preparation; and (d) removing insoluble material from the neutralized and clarified preparation, whereby a solution of gDNA is produced.

Abstract: A parallel high throughput method and kit for the discovery of small molecule interactors of target proteins, in particular, target proteins expressed from entire genomes or subsets thereof. The target module is prepared by binding selectively a target protein, modified to allow its detection, to a surrogate ligand that is linked to an individually detectable bead. Sets of target modules are mixed together in each chamber of a multi-chamber container. A test compound or collection of test compounds is added to each chamber, and the interaction of a compound with each target module is observed. A compound that is specific for a particular target protein will displace that protein from its target module. The identity of the target module so disrupted is determined by identifying the particular bead to which the displaced target protein was attached.