Norman W Schaad

Title: The Innovations of Norman W Schaad

Introduction

Norman W Schaad is a notable inventor based in Meyersville, MD (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of plant pathology, particularly in the detection of bacterial pathogens in potato tubers. With a total of 8 patents, his work has advanced the methodologies used in agricultural diagnostics.

Latest Patents

One of Schaad's latest patents focuses on a real-time BIO-PCR assay technique designed to detect potato tubers that are latently infected with the causal agent of bacterial brown rot. This innovative method allows for the detection of as few as 20 cells/ml extract from naturally infected potato tubers. His research has shown that two out of fourteen naturally infected tubers, which exhibited no disease symptoms, tested positive using this new assay, while traditional direct real-time PCR methods failed to identify them. Additionally, he has developed PCR primers for the detection and identification of various plant pathogenic species, subspecies, and strains, which were previously misclassified. These primers have proven effective in identifying serious seedborne pathogens in crops such as watermelon and rice.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Schaad has worked with esteemed organizations, including the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture. His innovative approaches have significantly impacted agricultural practices and pathogen detection.

Collaborations

Schaad has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Efstathios Hatziloukas and Morris R Bonde, to further enhance the effectiveness of his research and innovations.

Conclusion

Norman W Schaad's contributions to plant pathology and pathogen detection have established him as a key figure in agricultural innovation. His patents and collaborative efforts continue to influence the field positively.