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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fort Pierce, Florida » U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory » Subtropical Plant Pathology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #397691
Research Project: Mitigation of Domestic, Exotic, and Emerging Diseases of Subtropical and Temperate Horticultural Crops

Location: Subtropical Plant Pathology Research

Title: Field-portable, rapid, and low-cost RT-LAMP for detection of tomato chlorotic spot virus

Author
item YILMAZ, SALIH - University Of Florida
item Adkins, Scott
item BATUMAN, OZGUR - University Of Florida

Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/6/2022
Publication Date: 3/22/2023
Citation: Yilmaz, S., Adkins, S.T., Batuman, O. 2023. Field-portable, rapid, and low-cost RT-LAMP for detection of tomato chlorotic spot virus. Phytopathology. 113(3). https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-08-22-0319-R.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-08-22-0319-R

Interpretive Summary: Tomato chlorotic spot virus (TCSV) has recently emerged in tomato in Florida, and has subsequently spread to other vegetable and ornamental crops in Florida and beyond. Accurate diagnostic tests are key to identify TCSV and allow rapid management decisions to be made. In this report, we describe a reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay for TCSV that makes use of a battery-operated handwarmer for in-field diagnosis. This approach to TCSV detection will be useful to growers, Extension personnel, and local and Federal regulatory and research scientists.

Technical Abstract: Tomato chlorotic spot virus (TCSV) is a highly destructive, thrips-transmitted, emerging orthotospovirus in various vegetable and ornamental crops. It is important to reduce the risk of spreading this virus by limiting movement of infected plant materials to other geographic areas by use of rapid, in-field diagnostic tests. Current laboratory assays for TCSV require costly equipment, skilled personnel, and electricity. Here we report the development of a simple, rechargeable battery-operated handwarmer-assisted reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay. A step-by-step protocol to achieve in-field detection of TCSV in <35 minutes is demonstrated. This rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective RT-LAMP assay can be used by non-specialist personnel in the field, particularly in rural production areas lacking access to a diagnostic lab or electricity.