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BioDiagnostics names new head of Molecular Breeding and Genomic Technologies team


River Falls, Wisconsin, USA
May 7, 2014

BioDiagnostics Inc. (BDI), an independent seed testing laboratory serving the needs of the global seed industry, has added Dr. Farhad Ghavami as Manager of Molecular Breeding and Genomic Technologies. Ghavami’s addition enhances the company’s capabilities in the areas of molecular breeding, high-throughput DNA extraction, high-sample and high-marker throughput genotyping, genetic purity, QTL mapping and genomic selection.

“We add value for our customers by helping them determine the best way to apply the data we produce,” said BDI president Quentin Schultz. “Dr. Ghavami’s strong academic background fits perfectly with the BDI mission to provide understanding as well as fast, accurate results.”

For nearly a decade, Ghavami worked in university settings, where he focused on plant molecular biology, plant genomics, transcriptomics, quantitative genetics, high resolution mapping, gene cloning and molecular breeding. After earning his Ph.D. in plant breeding, molecular genetics and genetic engineering from the University of Tehran in Iran, Ghavami worked as a post-doctoral scientist at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, as a research faculty member at North Dakota State University, and most recently was a senior research associate at the University of Minnesota.

“As a researcher and lecturer, I learned that helping people gain understanding of information is crucial,” Ghavami explained. “While research and development will remain one of our greatest strengths at BDI, I feel that educating our clients in the use of new technologies and the data it provides is just as important.”

With Dr. Ghavami’s guidance, BDI will expand its DNA extraction services by offering a high-throughput pure DNA extraction service for less than the cost that most seed companies spend on do-it-yourself kits. “If you’re looking for DNA extraction, you should be using this service,” Ghavami said. “We eliminate the need for commercial extraction kits and the type of labor they require, and we provide confidence about the quality of DNA.”

Additionally, Ghavami will spearhead BDI efforts to increase its level of genomic selection and association mapping services, upgrade the current bioinformatic offerings, and make new molecular breeding methods a more accepted and understood practice in the industry.

“Until recently, plant breeding was mostly an art,” Ghavami said. “There’s still art involved, but current genomics technology means much less walking in the dark. The cost of genotyping today is a fraction of that of phenotyping in the field, and environmental errors are eliminated. BDI’s goal is to help plant breeders apply new technologies to increase the throughput of their breeding programs.”

BDI is an independent testing laboratory serving the seed industry around the world. It has developed the most knowledgeable and experienced team of seed technologists in the industry by combining years of agribusiness experience with a strong academic foundation. BDI understands the technology behind the test, and it consults with customers to improve processes in plant breeding and seed production. Research and development at BDI drives innovation to provide new solutions for the ever-changing needs of the seed industry.



More news from: Eurofins BioDiagnostics Inc.


Website: http://www.seedquest.com/id/b/BioDiagnostics.htm

Published: May 7, 2014

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