Jennie Brierley
+44 (0)344 928 5428
The James Hutton Institute
Invergowrie
Dundee DD2 5DA
Scotland UKs
Biography
Jennie is a Senior researcher in potato pathology and diagnostics. Her main research interests are developing the use of molecular diagnostic techniques for the detection and quantification of seed and soil-borne potato pathogens: both as a research tool to investigate the epidemiology of potato pathogens, and in supporting the management of potatoes by quantifying disease risk. By employing appropriate sampling strategies in conjunction with DNA extraction and molecular real-time PCR techniques to detect and quantify target pathogens we can validate the relationship between detectable inoculum and disease risk. Furthermore, the impact of soil-borne inoculum on disease can be investigated in conjunction with other control factors such as host resistance, crop management and chemical control options. Much of my research has been collaborative, both within the UK and internationally. Research targets have been Spongospora subterranea (powdery scab); Colletotrichum coccodes (black dot); Rhizoctonia solani AG-3 (black scurf/stem canker); Helminthosporium solani (silver scurf) and pathogenic Streptomyces spp. (common scab).