Genomics-based test for forest pathogens funded

Genome British Columbia and Genome Canada are providing $4.3 million for the development of a DNA-based diagnostic test to detect and monitor pathogens damaging Canadian forests. The Genomics-Based Forest Health Diagnostics and Monitoring project is expected to generate annual economic benefits in the "tens of millions of dollars". The project is led by Dr Richard Hamelin, a professor at the Univ of British Columbia and senior research scientist at Natural Resources Canada. Funding from both agencies is part of Genome Canada's 2010 Large-Scale Applied Research Project Competition. It's estimated that damage to Canadian forest by disease costs $2 billion annually. Pests are often introduced by the worldwide movement of goods and people....