Advancing Diagnostic Capacity: Bacterial and molecular training in Gainesville builds on NPDN success

Allina Bennett (NPDN Professional Development Coordinator)
The Communicator: Volume 7, Issue 3, April 2026

The National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN) continued its commitment to strengthening diagnostic capacity with a hands-on Bacterial and Molecular Diagnostics Workshop hosted in Gainesville, Florida this February. The workshop, From symptoms to sequences: Tools for bacterial disease diagnosis, was the second of three in-person diagnostic trainings funded by the NPDN Readiness and Education for Diagnostics Initiative (REDI) program.
 

The three-day workshop brought together 21 diagnosticians from across the network for hands-on training in both traditional bacterial diagnostics and modern molecular methods. Led by Tom Rounsville and Olivia Choi (University of Maine) and John Bonkowski (Purdue University), with guest lectures from Carrie Harmon and Jeff Jones (University of Florida), the training brought a range of expertise to attendees. Topics covered bacteriology techniques such as differential tests, isolation, culturing, and characterization of bacterial plant pathogens, to molecular approaches such as qPCR-based detection, assay optimization, and genome analysis. With palm phytoplasma as a model organism, the workshop provided practical applications that participants could then apply in their own labs.

This dual offering reflects the realities of training needs within diagnostic labs. Offering training in both foundational methods and emerging technologies allows diagnosticians to confidently move between these areas to improve accuracy, efficiency, and response time. By reinforcing these complementary skill sets, the training supports more reliable diagnostic outcomes across the NPDN.

Participant feedback underscored the value of the workshop’s applied format and collaborative environment. One attendee shared, “It was helpful to hear from both the instructors and fellow; participants about their personal experiences in the lab.” Others highlighted the opportunity to learn not just from instructors, but from each other.

As one participant noted, “It was great to connect with other diagnosticians… the questions and tips that come up in casual conversation when diagnosticians get together are extremely valuable.” This sentiment reflects a core strength of NPDN training: fostering a community where knowledge exchange extends beyond formal instruction.

For newer diagnosticians, the experience was especially impactful. One participant shared, “This workshop was very valuable as a jump start to plant disease diagnostics. I was quickly able to pick up on many techniques I wasn't familiar with.” Such feedback highlights the workshop’s role in supporting the next generation of diagnosticians.

When it came to the subject matter itself, the workshop participants found that the curriculum was useful. Following the bacterial diagnostics portion of the workshop, one attendee shared: “This training gave me confidence in processing suspected bacteria-infected plants and allowed me to become willing to participate in national survey projects”. The molecular portion of the workshop received similar positive feedback about implementing new methods: “This workshop has made me a lot more confident about bringing qPCR to my lab”.

From Symptoms to Sequences: Tools for bacterial disease diagnosis marked another step in strengthening national diagnostic preparedness by reinforcing the value of integrating diagnostic approaches while investing in both technical expertise and professional collaboration. As the second offering under the REDI project, the workshop highlights NPDN’s commitment to building a resilient, responsive, and well-connected diagnostic network capable of addressing emerging plant health challenges. Through continued training opportunities and participant-driven improvements, NPDN remains dedicated to advancing diagnostic excellence nationwide.