Innovative diagnostic kit for banana crops
The international banana trade provides income and sustenance to millions of people. Over 139 million tonnes of the fruit were cultivated globally in 2023 alone, according to the FAO(opens in new window). An ever-present threat however is disease. This can wreak havoc for farmers, resulting in reduced yields and dramatically increased management costs. Efficient surveillance and effective on-site disease management are therefore vital to protecting the livelihoods of communities and ensuring healthy crops.
LAMP technology for diagnosing banana disease
The INDICANTS(opens in new window) project, which was supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions(opens in new window) programme, sought to make it easier for farmers to manage their banana crops. This was achieved by developing and validating easy-to-use on-site tools to identify and discriminate between four common banana diseases. “These tools are based on LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification) technology,” explains INDICANTS project fellow Isabelle Robène from Cirad(opens in new window) in France. “This is a rapid detection method that works a little like a PCR test.” To begin with, Robène worked in the lab to improve the technique, and to ensure that it would be usable and reliable in the field. Next, testing of the LAMP diagnostic kit was conducted across a number of countries. “I visited Mozambique, Indonesia, Uganda and Jamaica, and I also received samples from Ecuador,” says Robène. “I contacted local research institutes, who helped me to test my LAMP technique on affected crops. This enabled me to show communities how the technique works.”
LAMP diagnostic kit developed and validated
Robène was successful in developing and validating her LAMP diagnostic kit on four economically significant diseases that affect bananas. The results have since been transferred to the private partner company Qualiplante(opens in new window) for the production of ready-to-use kits. Two kits are already commercially available. “We have received requests from regional and national crop protection organisations from different parts of the world,” notes Robène. “I think there is good market potential for this innovation.” Another key success of the project has been the two-way transfer of knowledge. While Robène has brought her pioneering LAMP diagnostic kit to various parts of the world, training up local stakeholders in the process, she was also able to learn new skills during her placement at Stellenbosch University(opens in new window) in South Africa. “As a bacteriologist, I don’t have much knowledge about fungal diseases,” she explains. “Together, we were able to advance a new innovative diagnostic tool for fungal infections based on CRISPR (a molecular ‘scissor’ used in genome editing). This is knowledge and experience I have been able to bring back to my home institution.”
Effective detection methods in the field
The success of the LAMP diagnostic kit could be critical in bringing effective detection methods to the field, and dramatically improve pathogen surveillance and control of a crucial crop. INDICANTS project coordinator Bernard Reynaud, from the University of La Réunion(opens in new window), points out that bananas are not just an important export commodity, but also a staple for many communities, especially in Africa. “This work can help to support sustainable food systems, enhance crop protection and agricultural productivity, and even human and environmental health by potentially reducing pesticide use,” adds Robène. Potential end users of the kit include research institutions and plant protection agencies, as well as farmers and trading companies. Future steps include integrating LAMP protocols into European and international diagnostic standards and continuing the training of local organisations and farmers.
Keywords
INDICANTS, diagnostic, crop, banana, farmer, CRISPR, genome
