Critical Points for the Organisation of Test Performance Studies in Microbiology: Plant Pathogens as a Case Study [Paperback]

This open access book in the field of plant pest detection shows a constant demand in development and improvement of fast and reliable detection tools, especially for high-priority pests. This open access book describes and summarizes the whole process of the organization of test performance study (TPS) for these tools. The outcome of TPS, obtained through the evaluation of the performance of one or more diagnostic tests by several laboratories on defined samples, is the finding of the best performing test/s for particular pest and for specific uses. Nowadays the intensification of worldwide trade and associated controls increases the need for quality assurance accreditation and harmonization of laboratories practices. Therefore, such studies are very important, but, non-existent. Considering those facts, our goal was to develop guidelines, by using the data and experiences of involved partners, for further TPS in the field of plant health. Developed guidelines could be easily transferable to other microbiology fields.

Chapter1. Introduction.- Chapter 2. Description of the process of TPS organization.- Chapter3. Selection of pests and scope of TPS.- Chapter4. Selection of TPS organizers.- Chapter5. Selection of tests included in TPS.- Chapter6. Selection of TPS participants.- Chapter7. TPS workflow.- Chapter8. Analysis of TPS results data.- Chapter9. Reports and dissemination activities.- Chapter10. Conclusions.

Ana Vuurovi is phytopathologist focused on the research of virus and fungal diseases of vegetables, field crops and ornamentals. She obtained her degree at the University of Belgrade-Faculty of Agriculture. Her main activities involves detection, identification and characterization of plant viruses and fungi, including quarantine and emerging pathogens. Her main research interest are virus disease of tomato, tobacco and cucurbits, and fungal diseases caused by