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Symbolfoto: Das AIT ist Österreichs größte außeruniversitäre Forschungseinrichtung

Improving Plant Systems

Improving Plant Systems

DNA Bank Services

AIT operates a DNA bank containing more than half a million DNA samples of plant and animal origin, which are stored under high-tech conditions at -20°C in accordance with strict quality control standards. Supported by a high level of lab automation, the tailor-made laboratory management system MAPSTM guarantees failure-free efficient sample and data management.

Our offer

  • High throughput DNA extraction using liquid handling systems (ISO 9001:2008).
  • Development and application of tailor-made DNA extraction protocols for diverse tissues and organisms.
  • Centralized facility (DNA bank) for long-term storage and management of biological material
  • Profound expertise in laboratory information management systems (MAPSTM).

Genotyping Services

Our expertise is ranging from tailor-made DNA and RNA extraction via genotyping to bioinformatics and data interpretation. We are dedicated to the development and application of DNA-based genetic markers as tools for species identification (DNA barcoding, DNA fingerprinting), marker-trait association analysis, population genetics, diversity analysis, paternity testing, or for the proof of a sample’s origin and authenticity.

Our offer

  • Development of genetic marker systems by using state-of-the-art technologies for individual research questions in the field of phenomics, genomics and transcriptomics.
  • Marker applications for various genotyping purposes based on several technologies:
    • KASP™
    • qPCR
    • Fragment analysis, e.g. through microsatellites (STRs/SSRs)+
    • MassARRAY® multiplex genotyping (Agena Bioscience®)
    • Genotyping-by-sequencing (e.g. RADseq)
  • Bioinformatics analysis and data interpretation (genetic diversity, genetic relationships, genotype-phenotype-environment associations, transcriptomics, genomics, integrative analysis of omics data)

Improving Plant Stress Tolerance

Plants frequently encounter adverse growth conditions such as drought, extreme temperature or pathogen pressure.  These environmental constraints can adversely affect agronomic traits of crops. We apply a combination of genetic, biochemical and physiological approaches to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying stress tolerance and explore the potential of such approaches for innovative crop improvement strategies.

Our offer