rapid-diagnostics
Rapid diagnostics refers to fast, accurate methods for detecting pathogens, genetic markers, or disease states in plant tissue, often within minutes to hours rather than days. In plant science, these techniques are critical for early identification of viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, enabling timely intervention to prevent crop losses and disease spread. They also support breeding programs and quarantine efforts by providing real-time field-deployable screening tools.
open_in_new WikipediaPubMed · 2026-05-01
Researchers built a rapid, visual test using CRISPR-Cas12a technology combined with a strip-based readout to detect four major tobacco-killing pathogens simultaneously. The system is highly sensitive and simpler to interpret than traditional lab methods, potentially enabling field-level disease diagnosis.
The PCR-Cas12a-LFD system achieved a detection sensitivity of 100 pg/μL for all four target pathogens.
Four distinct pathogens — Ralstonia sp., Phytophthora sp., Alternaria sp., and Pseudomonas sp. — were each given a tailored CRISPR RNA (crRNA) and primer set for highly specific identification.
Integrating lateral flow dipstick (LFD) readout eliminates the need for specialist equipment or expertise to interpret results, enabling visual yes/no diagnosis.
