Detection and incidence of Pernospora variabilis in quinoa seeds

This poster describes the research undertaken to determine the level of imported quinoa contamination with quinoa downy mildew, caused by Pernospora variabilis, as well as to develop a rapid method of detection by DNA primers. The majority of lots coming from a wide variety of sources were found to have been contaminated with the pathogen, indicating it is more widespread than anticipated. Additionally, DNA primers for P. variabilis were shown to be effective in identifying most cases of contamination. This poster won third prize at the 2012 Penn State University Graduate Research Exhibition.