Wiley Handbook of Science and Technology for Homeland Security, 4 Volume Set

MICROBIAL FORENSICS AND PLANT PATHOGENS: ATTRIBUTION OF AGRICULTURAL CRIME

JACQUELINE FLETCHER AND ULRICH MELCHER

Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma

DOUGLAS G. LUSTER

USDA ARS, Fort Detrick, Maryland

JOHN L. SHERWOOD

University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia

1 INTRODUCTION

The US food system is among the safest and most secure, worldwide. Yet, because plant-based systems are essential components of the nation's farm-to-table food supply system, they may be potential targets for the deliberate introduction of pathogens or pests by those intending harm [1–6]. In addition, plants comprise our fiber, forests, and rangelands—and may play an increasingly important strategic role as a source of biofuels. Possible impacts of intentional tampering include loss of product quality or availability, economic hardship for farm and market sectors and rural communities, and distrust of US produce and value-added products. National biosecurity capabilities must include scientific knowledge, technologies, and procedures to effectively trace the origin, timing, and site of introduction of a plant pathogen or pest, and the collection of evidence that ultimately will allow successful criminal prosecution of those responsible [7–10]. The general application of science to legal practices is termed forensic science, and if the activity focuses on pathogenic agents, it is called forensic microbiology. We will discuss the application of microbial forensic principles and activities to plant-based ...