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Optimized LAMP technology for reliable, rapid detection of tomato yellow  leaf curl virus, underway
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Optimized LAMP technology for reliable, rapid detection of tomato yellow leaf curl virus, underway

A new technology to detect the tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) continues to be optimized by the Industrial Technology Development Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-ITDI).

Tomato plant infected with tomato yellow leaf curl virus. (DOST-ITDI)

This initiative is through the project, “Development of a LAMP-based Detection Kit for Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV)- Philippine strains,” by the Virology and Vaccine Research of the Philippines (VRP) program funded by DOST.

Project Leader Elizabeth G. Panerio said that the project aims to develop a reliable loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)-based detection kit for TYLCV. This virus causes stunting, yellowing, and leaf curling, ultimately reducing fruit quality and increasing yield losses.

The diagnostic tool may serve as an early-warning intervention tool in disease monitoring and quarantine efforts, enabling local government units (LGUs) and stakeholders to take timely actions and prevent TYLCV outbreaks.

Dr. Elizabeth G. Panerio and her team during the 20th National Biotechnology Week (NBW) exhibition at the University of the Philppines Los Baños. (Image credit: CRD, DOST-PCAARRD)

In a recent project review conducted by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources and Development (PCAARRD) of the DOST, Dr. Panerio and her team shared that they have completed collecting tomato leaf samples in 15 tomato-growing provinces with previous disease outbreaks. 

Using a reference Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence from one of their TYLCV isolates, the team generated LAMP primers essential for developing a TYLCV detection kit for field application. 

They also designed LAMP primers compatible with the colorimetric or fluorometric assay for the rapid detection of TYLCV. Using a simple fluorescence-detecting device, this assay produces a yellow-to-green glow when the virus is present in the tomato plant. The developed fluorometric LAMP assay will play an integral role in developing the field-based LAMP detection kit for TYLCV.

Attendees during the Year 3 Project Review and Evaluation of the project, "Development of a LAMP-based Detection Kit for Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV)-Philippine strains." (Image credit: DOST-ITDI)

During the review, Technical Evaluator Cris Q. Cortaga from the Institute of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Food Science of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (IPB, CAFS-UPLB) emphasized the importance of optimizing the wet LAMP assay by testing it on various samples, including both healthy and infected plants. He also recommended profiling the Philippine strains before developing field LAMP kits to ensure their accuracy, reliability, and effectiveness across different strains.

The review was attended by representatives from DOST-ITDI and DOST-PCAARRD led by CRD Assistant Director Sharie Al-Faiha A. Lubang and Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) Manager for Vegetables Joel Norman R. Panganiban.

The prototype of the TYLCV detection kit was among the technologies recently displayed during the 20th National Biotechnology Week exhibition held at the E.B. Copeland Gymnasium, UPLB.