David Berryman

Further developments in fingermark detection rely heavily on improving our knowledge of latent fingermark composition. Investigations into the factors responsible for compositional variation , such as traits including age, gender and lifestyle habits , as well as a better understanding of fingermark degradation processes, are vital to overcome the limitations of current development methods. In recent years, there has been much interest in employing mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) for these purposes due to its ability to simultaneously identify and map the substances present on surfaces [1] . A number of investigations have applied SIMS, MALDI and DESI MSI techniques to the examination of both endogenous and exogenous fingermark components. Results so far indicate the potential of MSI to be applied to in - depth studies into the factors that influence finger mark composition. This presentation gives an overview of current developments in the field and reports on our progress so far in applying it to the study of latent fingermark chemistry

Many of the biggest threats to the biosecurity of Australia’s plant industries are bacterial, but difficulties in identification to pathovar level could seriously delay incursion management and affect market access. Pathovars are defined by host specificity so bioassays remain the definitive means of identification, but require physical containment and can be slow and subjective. Some pathovar‐specific serological and molecular tests are available but better diagnostic methods are often required. We have evaluated the use of proteomics and metabolomics, platforms that identify functional molecules potentially associated with plant‐pathogen interactions, to identify biomarkers that differentiate pathovars in Xanthomonas species. The proteomics component has focused on profiling membrane‐associated proteins extracted from selected bacterial isolates. Profiles show isolates of the same pathovar cluster together and proteins are differentially expressed between distinct pathovars. Differentially expressed proteins have been analysed by digestions and mass spectrometry and the genes that encode them identified by reference to genomic sequences. Based on this information, molecular tests to differentiate the pathovars are being designed and validated. The metabolomics component has analysed metabolite expression in selected bacterial pathovars. Results show separation between the different pathovars and differentially expressed metabolites are evident.

Transgenic plants of narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) and yellow lupin (L. luteus) were generated using meristem inoculation with Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Plants with increased tolerance of the herbicide Basta (glufosinate) were produced, as were yellow lupin plants with improved tolerance of bean yellow mosaic virus. This technology is being extended for the introduction of other useful traits such as resistance to cucumber mosaic virus and fungal pathogens. Commercial molecular diagnostic tests for cucumber mosaic virus (RT-PCR and real time fluorescence PCR) and anthracnose (caused by Colletotrichum acutatum rather than C. gloeosporioides [Glomerella cingulata]; PCR) in lupin seeds were developed and are in routine use. Gene mapping of lupins is in progress, with the first molecular marker (for early flowering) developed as a routine PCR test.