In Situ Processing and Efficient Environmental Detection (iSPEED) of pests and pathogens of trees using point-of-use real-time pcr

The increase in global trade is responsible for a surge in foreign invasive species introductions across the world. Early detection and surveillance activities are essential to prevent future invasions. Molecular diagnostics by DNA testing has become an integral part of this process. However, for environmental applications, there is a need for cost-effective and efficient point-of-use DNA testing that would allow for the collection of results in real-time away from laboratory facilities. To achieve this requires the development of simple and fast sample processing and DNA extraction, room-temperature stable reagents and a portable instrument. We conducted a series of tests using a crude buffer-based DNA extraction protocol and lyophilized, pre-made, reactions to address the first two requirements. We chose to demonstrate the use of this approach with organisms that cover a broad spectrum of known undesirable insects and pathogens: the ascomycete Sphaerulina musiva, the oomycete Phytophthora ramorum, the basidiomycetes Cronartium ribicola and Cronartium comandrae and the insect Lymantria dispar. Tests performed from either infected leaf material or spores (pathogens), or legs and antenna (insects). We were able to obtain positive amplification for the targeted species in all the samples tested. The shelf-life of the lyophilized reactions was assessed, confirming the stability of over a year at room temperature. Finally, successful tests conducted with portable thermocyclers and disposable plastics, demonstrating the suitability of the method, named in Situ Processing and Efficient Environment Detection (iSPEED), for field testing. This kit is ideally adapted to field testing as it fits in a backpack and can be carried to remote locations.