The bacteriology laboratory undertakes diagnosis, the development of preventive control methods and provides advice to professionals in relation to bacterial diseases in vines, berries, medicinal and ornamental plants and field crops. We are mainly involved in the field of field crops, particularly potato cultivation. Within the scope of certified potato seedling production we verify that both Swiss and foreign products (imported into Switzerland) are free from quarantine bacteria, such as brown rot (caused by Ralstonia solanacearum) and ring rot (caused by Clavibacter michiganensis sepedonicus), both absent in Switzerland to date. We are also participating, again within the scope of certified seedling production, in a combined diagnostic and research project in relation to soft rot and black leg in potatoes (caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum, Pectobacterium atrosepticum and Dickeya sp.), diseases which constitute one of the main causes of rejection or downgrading of certified potato batches in our country.

Phytoplasma diseases have significant and even serious consequences for certain crops. The phytoplasmology laboratory is the national competence centre for phytoplasmology, and as such is responsible for the diagnosis of phytoplasmoses in all crops. In the practical sector we are mainly involved in viticulture (flavescence dorée, quarantine disease, and black wood disease), field crops (potato stolbur, quarantine disease) and arboriculture (apricot chlorotic leafroll, pear decline, apple proliferation, all quarantine diseases). We are involved in a combined diagnostic-research effort aimed at improving diagnostic quality and proposing realistic control methods.