The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has nodded to the P1.63-million research project to be conducted by the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) on the use of molecular sensors for early detection of onion diseases.

This was disclosed by DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña during his weekly report on Friday, May 21.

"The DOST-III, thru its Regional Grants-In-Aid Program has approved a research project of the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) that aims to develop improved Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) and Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA)-based sensors to determine the presence of crop pathogens in irrigation waters, soils and in onion plants as a decision support tool in crop management,” he said.

He said the P1.63-million project will use modified LAMP and RPA method to detect the diseases even before the establishment of onion crop to the field.

With this, the unwanted extreme yield loss, or disease outbreak will be prevented and even unnecessary application of fungicides that harms beneficial organisms on the field will be avoided, the DOST chief said.

"The molecular techniques will make the identification and quantification of soil-borne pathogens more efficient and sensitive,” de la Peña said.

He said the CLSU project will demonstrate the advantages of molecular detection over conventional methodologies and can improve the early detection and management of the most important diseases in onions as well as in other crops.

"The LAMP-based test can be accomplished in simple laboratories and even possibly in the field using limited resources and can be done by anyone with basic laboratory skills,” he said.

"The project is expected to provide affordable platforms for early-warning and fast response for onion disease control and management,” he added.