Screening of germplasm covering the Rubus genus (particularly raspberry and blackberry) using molecular markers associated with key traits for pest and disease resistance and fruit quality:

• Raspberry root rot resistance 
• Fruit size 
• Validation phase of fruit softening
• Validation phase of fruit yield

We also have the capability to screen a range of other Rubus traits, including architectural.

Screening of germplasm covering the Ribes genus (currants):
Gall mite resistance

DNA Fingerprinting
This provides a DNA profile of the variety.  Genotyping services are available for both soft fruit varieties and potato.  The generation of DNA fingerprints can be used for a variety of purposes.

• Trueness-to-type
• Varietal issues/mix-ups
• Relatedness of breeding material/phylogenetic analysis (primarily for soft fruit)

James Hutton Limited also has an extensive database of DNA profiles of soft fruit varieties for comparative purposes.

James Hutton Limited can offer both conventional, microscopic testing and a recently developed diagnostic test to identify the presence of Free Living Nematodes in soil.
This diagnostic provides a rapid and cost effective identification of the four most common Paratrichodorus and Trichodorus species in the UK, known to vector TRV. Combined with an appropriate sampling strategy, the diagnostic offers growers an opportunity to generate a robust field map of the distribution of FLN species capable of transmitting TRV.