Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis – a Tool for Plant Protection Research

Analysis of microbial communities associated with plants, insects and soil has been a significant challenge for plant protection researchers, because of the lack of techniques with which to access these populations. A new molecular community profiling technique, 16S rRNA gene-based PCR followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), has been used to analyse microbial communities in a number of environments and has many potential uses in plant protection research. The technique is currently being used for the analysis of insect gut microflora, characterisation of phylloplane and rhizosphere microbial populations, and in environmental assessment of the effects of biopesticides and new technologies on indigenous soil microbes.