Irlanda: In-field, potato blight detection kits could be available soon

Research scientists at Dublin City University (DCU) have already devised an antigen test, which can detect specific blight strains within 30 minutes.

The kits work on the same principle used to develop Covid-19 lateral flow tests during the recent pandemic.

Prof. Anne Parle-McDermott from DCU said: “Completing the test entails the grower taking a small sample of potato leaf tissue in a vial to which is added a number of reagents.

“It is very simple to work through in the field with the results generated within 30 minutes. The end results can be viewed on test strips, again similar to those used in a Covid test.”

Similar to the Covid-19 tests, the appearance of two lines on the test strip confirms the presence of blight.

“The new tests can be tweaked to be blight genotype specific. This is because they have been developed to identify bespoke DNA sequences that are directly associated with unique strains of the attacking fungus,” Prof. Parle-McDermott added.

She is a geneticist at the School of Biotechnology at DCU. Her research interests are in the complementary areas of functional genetics as it relates to human health, and the application of DNA-based methodologies for diagnostics and biosensor development. 

The applied aspects to her research are centred around DNA-based technologies for diagnostics and biosensor development. 

Sample blight detection test strips

While the development of the new blight identification test is at an advanced stage, its full commercialisation will require further government support funding to the tune of €500,000.

There is already recognition that its availability would give potato growers that all-important early warning of specific blight strains that are circulating at a specific time.

Currently, the only option open to potato growers dealing with already present blight infections is to send samples of affected leaf tissue to either Teagasc or the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB) in the UK.

However, the availability of the new test would allow potato growers to secure much needed information about specific blight threats at a much earlier stage.

Teagasc’s Dr. Steven Kildea is confirming the significance of the new blight detection kits

The relevance of the new test was discussed at the recent Teagasc blight event, held at Oak Park in Co. Carlow.

Teagasc plans to survey Irish potato growers, seeking views on the relevance of the new test for their businesses and the price they would be prepared to pay for it.