Precise in-field molecular diagnostics of crop diseases by smartphone-based mutation-resolved pathogenic RNA analysis

Ting Zhang, Qingdong Zeng, Fan Ji, Honghong Wu, Rodrigo Ledesma-Amaro, Qingshan Wei, Hao Yang, Xuhan Xia, Yao Ren, Keqing Mu, Qiang He, Zhensheng Kang and Ruijie Deng ()
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Ting Zhang: Sichuan University
Qingdong Zeng: Northwest A&F University
Fan Ji: Northwest A&F University
Honghong Wu: Huazhong Agricultural University
Rodrigo Ledesma-Amaro: Imperial College London
Qingshan Wei: North Carolina State University
Hao Yang: Sichuan University
Xuhan Xia: Sichuan University
Yao Ren: Sichuan University
Keqing Mu: Northwest A&F University
Qiang He: Sichuan University
Zhensheng Kang: Northwest A&F University
Ruijie Deng: Sichuan University

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract Molecular diagnostics for crop diseases can guide the precise application of pesticides, thereby reducing pesticide usage while improving crop yield, but tools are lacking. Here, we report an in-field molecular diagnostic tool that uses a cheap colorimetric paper and a smartphone, allowing multiplexed, low-cost, rapid detection of crop pathogens. Rapid nucleic acid amplification-free detection of pathogenic RNA is achieved by combining toehold-mediated strand displacement with a metal ion-mediated urease catalysis reaction. We demonstrate multiplexed detection of six wheat pathogenic fungi and an early detection of wheat stripe rust. When coupled with a microneedle for rapid nucleic acid extraction and a smartphone app for results analysis, the sample-to-result test can be completed in ~10 min in the field. Importantly, by detecting fungal RNA and mutations, the approach allows to distinguish viable and dead pathogens and to sensitively identify mutation-carrying fungicide-resistant isolates, providing fundamental information for precision crop disease management.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39952-x

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