Rapid Diagnostic Test for Fungal Crop Pathogen Launched

Mologic Ltd has announced the launch of its first crop pathogen diagnostic test, BotrytisAlert. As part of an Innovate UK funded initiative, Mologic is applying its powerful, personalised lateral flow expertise to better inform decision making at critical points across the food production and processing chain. BotrytisAlert is a low-cost test which can be used to measure the fungal crop pathogen Botrytis both in air and plant material, enabling growers to apply controlled measures ahead of symptom development, prevent disease establishment and post-harvest rot.

Mologic has developed and trialled BotrytisAlert with Berry Garden Growers, NIAB EMR and the Warwickshire College. Using spore sampling devices, the consortium tested crop bioaerosols for Botrytis to drive early warning of disease potential on exposed crops. In soft fruit, the test has been used to forecast infection risk, guide the timed application of control treatments ahead of symptom development, inform quality and drive crop post-harvest management decisions. Early intervention in a disease cycle facilitates improved efficacy of sustainable control measures and reduce unnecessary use of pesticides and antibiotics.

Botrytis is reported to infect more than 200 plant species and cause annual losses of $10 to $100,000. In the UK, Botrytis infection provides the second greatest cause of crop loss to the horticulture sector by reducing harvest yields and marketability. A total cost to the UK industry is estimated at £54 million. Primarily affecting strawberries (£15-30 million losses) but also cut flowers (£24 million), tomatoes, onions, hardy nursery stock and ornamentals. Worldwide, Botrytis is considered one of the most serious diseases of grapevine affecting not only yield, but grape quality and taste. In the wine sector, it is estimated on average 25% turnover is lost due to Botrytis rot, at a cost to the industry of €15billion per year.

BotrytisAlert is the first test developed as part of Mologic’s wider crop protection diagnostic portfolio, to include other fungal pathogens such as Rhizopus and Mucor.

More information online