Long-term stability of pre-prepared reagents makes it possible to simplify the implementation of the LAMP isothermal reaction to detect plant diseases in the field

Description

The poster presents the findings from the Q-Entry project aimed at simplifying on-site testing for plant disease detection using Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) technology, specifically for Ralstonia spp. bacteria. The study focused on the long-term stability (up to 24 months) of pre-prepared reagents and control materials, demonstrating that these components remain stable over time, which significantly facilitates field testing by reducing the need for specialized equipment and expertise. This approach not only streamlines the testing process but also minimizes contamination risks, making it accessible for less experienced operators to perform LAMP tests in field conditions. The adoption of isothermal Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) for on-site testing of plant diseases is increasingly recognized for its practicality.  Although LAMP testing is user-friendly and accommodates crude sample materials, preparing reagents and controls without contamination remains a challenge, especially in field conditions. This process traditionally requires additional steps and equipment, posing operational complexities. In the Q-Entry project (V4-2023), we aimed to simplify field testing and reduce contamination risks by conducting a comprehensive stability study of premixed oligonucleotides and positive control materials for the LAMP test targeting Ralstonia spp. This study builds upon our standardized protocol previously developed (Lenarčič et al., 2014; Pirc et al., 2021). We prepared a blend of six LAMP oligonucleotide primers and control DNA from a known R. solanacearum isolate in advance, arranging them into testing strips. Over a two-year period, we tested these materials every three months, adding 2x Isothermal Master Mix (OptiGene) to the premixed primers, and conducting reactions at a constant temperature of 60°C using a GenieII instrument (OptiGene). We evaluated the results by comparing the qualitative outcomes and the time to positivity at various intervals with the initial findings. Our results affirm the stability of both premixed reagents and control material for a minimum of two years when stored at temperatures ≤ -15 °C. This stability enables their advance preparation, effectively segregating tasks that benefit from a controlled environment and specialized equipment (for handling small volumes) from the actual test execution in the field. Consequently, this approach simplifies field operations by reducing the number of steps required on-site, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of plant disease diagnostics.

Organisms

  • Ralstonia

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