Predicta Research
Predicta Research is a DNA-based soil testing service that quantifies amounts of:
- soil-borne pathogen DNA
- plant root DNA.
The pathogen DNA service is intended for examining treatment and variety effects between experimental plots. The root DNA results can be used to determine root architecture in the field.
See the publications that use the Predicta Research service ().
Determine your testing requirements
If you submit 60 samples or more, you can select any combination of tests.
If you submit fewer than 60 samples, the most cost-effective and efficient approach is a test panel, which includes groups of tests routinely run in our lab. For small batches of infrequent tests, results may take several weeks or months.
Test panels
The soil test panels with the fastest turn-around time are:
Other panels available but performed infrequently are hort veg.
Groups for testing plant root samples include:
Customised selections
If test panels are not suitable, you can organise tests for customised selection.
This includes a range of plant species tests that can be used to quantify root DNA and combined with pathogen tests.
Access Predicta Research services
Contact us to discuss your requirements and establish a contract.
We will send you the required barcode stickers and Predicta Research bags to submit your samples.
Costs and timeframes
Costs and timeframes
| Test panel | Cost (ex GST) | Time for results |
|---|---|---|
| Crop research | $89 | 2 weeks |
| Crop research north | $89 | 2 weeks |
| Potato research | $89 | 2 weeks |
| Hort veg | $108 | 3 to 4 weeks |
| Pulse research | $108 | 3 to 4 weeks |
| Cereal root disease | $84 | 3 to 4 weeks |
|
Customised selection >60 samples |
$27 for first test + $5.20 per additional test | 2 to 3 weeks |
These costs apply for samples submitted from Australia only. Additional costs apply for overseas samples.
Contact us for further details, including:
- samples with over 60 customised selections
- fees for fast-tracked results.
Submit samples
We only accept samples that are submitted per the below requirements.
Barcodes
Barcodes
The barcode associates a sample with your name and the DNA tests you requested. We report your results in our MDC laboratory database with this barcode only. Do not write additional information on sample bags.
We recommend that you create your own database when you receive the barcode to track your sample information:
- Enter the barcode details into a spreadsheet (barcodes are numbered sequentially).
- Associate the barcode with any additional information required.
Changes and new samples
Once we issue a barcode, the DNA tests linked to it cannot be changed. We will send new barcodes free of charge if you:
- need to change the DNA tests requested
- have a new batch of samples with different DNA test requirements – do not use spare barcodes.
Contact us to discuss any new requirements and request appropriate barcodes.
Sampling guidelines
Sampling guidelines
It is important to follow the correct sampling strategy for accurate and reliable Predicta Research results. Download the recommended sampling strategy for your region:
Root tissue and stubble samples
Root tissue and stubble samples
Root tissue and stubble samples can be submitted for Predicta Research testing. These are processed differently from soil samples – follow these steps:
- Provide the sample type when you request Predicta Research bags.
- Store samples in cool conditions (e.g. an esky without ice).
- Submit samples as soon as possible after collection – overnight courier is preferred.
To optimise the DNA extraction, root and stubble samples are supplemented with a given amount of sand.
Results are reported per gram of sample, which is a combination of root plus sand. The dry weight of root and stubble is recorded in the note field, enabling conversion of results to per gram of root stubble.
Interpret results
Predicta Researcher results are reported as raw data values. These can be converted into disease risk categories, or population density categories, as used for the Predicta B commercial service.
Follow the below recommendations:
Contact
Submit samples
SARDI Molecular Diagnostics Group
Plant Research Centre
2A Hartley Grove
Urrbrae SA 5064
Establish a contract, order Predicta Research sample bags and new barcodes
Russell Burns
Phone: 0401 122 115
Email: russell.burns@sa.gov.au
Matthew Rowe
Phone: 0491 933 041
Email: matthew.rowe2@sa.gov.au
Discuss available tests and interpret results
Danièle Giblot-Ducray
Phone: (08) 8429 2229
Email: daniele.giblot-ducray@sa.gov.au
