Two detection kits for mango’s anthracnose and stem-end rot diseases have been developed, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) announced.
The development of the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) kits for the detection of the causative fungi of anthracnose, and stem-end rot was made possible through the research program jointly implemented by the DOST and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).
The researchers from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) developed the detection kits under the project, “DOST-JSPS Joint Research Program: LAMP Detection Assays for Anthracnose, Stem-End Rot, and Scab Disease Pathogens in Philippine ‘Carabao’ Mango (Mangifera indica Linn.),” the DOST-PCAARRD said in a statement.
Funded by the DOST and DOST-PCAARRD, the project sought to develop LAMP assays for the detection of anthracnose, stem-end rot, and scab diseases of Philippine ‘Carabao’ mango. It is implemented in collaboration with Japan’s Mie University under the DOST and the JSPS Joint Research Program.
During the project terminal review, project leader Dr. Lourdes V. Alvarez said the presence or absence of the causal pathogens of anthracnose and stem-end rot can be detected by the kits even without visible symptoms as the causal pathogens cause latent infection.
“The LAMP kit is envisioned to benefit mango growers, researchers, quarantine personnel, and policymakers as the kit is intended to be used for phytosanitary measures,” she said.
The project team has already filed a patent application for their newly developed LAMP kits.
Joining Alvarez during the project review were project team members from PUP, representatives from the DOST-Special Projects Division, and the DOST-PCAARRD Crops Research Division headed by Supervising Science Research Specialist Maria Adelia C. Belen.
The Technical Review and Evaluation Panel was composed of Dr. Teresita U. Dalisay from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Dr. Mary Beth B. Maningas from the University of Santo Tomas (UST), and Mae A. Dagaas from the DOST-PCAARRD Technology Transfer and Promotion Division.