Developing a global-market ready, rapid diagnostic test for fire blight

• Unité de recherche: INNOSUISSE
• Numéro de projet: 8818.1;6 PFLS-LS
• Titre du projet anglais: Developing a global-market ready, rapid diagnostic test for fire blight

Description succincte (Anglais)

Developing a global-market ready, rapid diagnostic test for fire blight

Résumé des résultats (Abstract) (Anglais)

Fire blight is a major disease of apple and pear in Switzerland and worldwide. Effective control relies on rapid, accurate diagnosis. Current methods require sample transport to diagnostic labs and 2 days for results. Polyclonal antibodies specific for the pathogen, Erwinia amylovora, were developed at ACW but each batch must be produced/tested and are limited for use in confirmatory tests. This project will develop monoclonal antibodies for standardised production and optimise/validate a rapid test for diagnostic and field applications to return diagnosis without isolation in a few minutes. Prototype test strips show promise for selectivity, speed and sensitivity. Improved antibodies will be validated and design of a new AgriStrip optimised for lab and field applications for the global market. An immunomagnetic separation feature will be developed for additional sensitivity and selectivity. Integration of the test with disease forecasting models will improve orchard management decisions and reduce antibiotic applications internationally. Our international reputation in the fire blight field will provide critical validation and development input for successful market introduction of a new BIOREBA AgriStrip test for rapid fire blight diagnosis.