Can we use crime scene investigation methods in plant pathology?

Abstract

Picture this ... crime scene investigators walk into a room, using forensic tape on the victim's clothing and personal belongings. This evidence is bagged and transported to a laboratory for processing. Chain of evidence is kept at all times, and all steps used in the processing are documented. Can we find the perpetrator of this horrendous crime? Can we prevent further damage? On TV, crime scene investigation (CSI) machinations are now a common theme, and inevitably there is a machine that goes ‘ping’ saying that the results are ready. But is it applicable to the world of plant pathology? And why would we do this?