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UK funding (£147,131): Smart Materials for Equipment-Free Molecular Identification of Insect Pests and Viral Vectors Ukri 1 Oct 2021 UK Research and Innovation, United Kingdom
Overview
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Smart Materials for Equipment-Free Molecular Identification of Insect Pests and Viral Vectors
| Abstract | The whitefly species complex Bemisia tabaci represents some of the most economically important agricultural and horticultural insect pests globally. Its members cause significant physiological damage directly through feeding, and indirectly on the photosynthetic capacity of plants through the large quantities of honeydew produced encouraging sooty mould growth on leaves. The greatest economic impact is, however, caused by its members collectively vectoring > 300 different species of plant virus. These include Tomato yellow leaf curl viruses, Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder, Cucumber vein yellowing virus, Cassava brown streak viruses and Africa Cassava mosaic viruses. These viruses result in significant economic losses through damage to high value crops across the Mediterranean (tomatoes, cucumbers), southern USA (tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet potato) and Africa (cassava, sweet potato). While B. tabaci is not yet established within the UK it is recognised as a serious and growing threat to the horticultural industry. The UK is currently a regulated B. tabaci pest-free area and a central tool to maintaining this status is rapid and accurate identification of B. tabaci. Yellow sticky traps are a key component of the Defra recommended measures for monitoring for incursions and outbreaks of B. tabaci in the UK. Insects stuck on traps are difficult for non-entomologists to identify due to similarities with non-quarantine species such as Bemisia afer and the common glasshouse whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum, especially if damaged during trapping. As a result, traps are sent to laboratories for identification by specialist entomologists using either low magnification microscopy, molecular diagnostic tools or a combination of both. The logistical burden of collecting traps and the costs associated with the laboratory analysis, reduces the number of sticky traps used in routine surveillance operations, diminishing its value as a surveillance method. As a result, incursions of B. tabaci are usually observed by inspectors when outbreaks become severe. This makes containment and eradication more difficult and costly and runs the risk that the pest spreads to the point of being difficult or impossible to contain. Here we propose a novel, smart material - inspired by yellow sticky traps - that comprise an adhesive, biofunctional polymer to trap whiteflies and release DNA passively, that is in turn layered on top of a biosensor core capable of discriminating B. tabaci from other whitefly species and producing a visual signal. These materials can be printed on to disposable paper strips for use in different settings such as shipping containers or contained growth facilities. |
| Category | Research Grant |
| Reference | BB/V017551/1 |
| Status | Closed |
| Funded period start | 01/10/2021 |
| Funded period end | 31/12/2022 |
| Funded value | £147,131.00 |
| Source | https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=BB%2FV017551%2F1 |
Participating Organisations
| NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY |
The filing refers to a past date, and does not necessarily reflect the current state. The latest known state is available on the following page: Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne.