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York-based start-up company, Forsite Diagnostics, launched the new service on 1 August to plant managers all over Europe.
Managing quarantine diseases such as sudden oak death requires accurate identification of the organism causing the problem – Phytophthora ramorum. Forsite already produces a rapid Pocket Diagnostic™ on-site test for detection of Phytophthora, and these are used widely by specialists for screening purposes. However, to identify individual species such as P. ramorum, DNA forensic techniques are needed, which is where PDplus™ fits in. The new PDplus™ service offers end-users speed and low cost with the benefits of genetic fingerprint sensitivity.
Launching the new service, Forsite’s chief executive Chris Danks said, ‘In PDplus™ we are combining the simplicity of a pregnancy test with the sensitivity of DNA forensics. A user in the field takes a sample from a plant and runs a Pocket Diagnostic™ test. If the result is positive for Phytophthora, they can send in the test device for PDplus™ analysis. From analysing the DNA on the test strip we can identify any of four species of Phytophthora more quickly than current methods.’
PDplus™ can help also in the struggle to manage P. kernoviae, a close relative of P. ramorum, which is causing concern in the south west of England. ‘Kernoviae is one of the four species of Phytophthora we can identify now using PDplus™, and it is a disease that growers and land-owners are worried about’, says Mr Danks.
One of the main benefits of this new service is that it removes the need for potentially-infectious samples of diseased plant to be sent to a laboratory. The only object which needs to be mailed is a Pocket Diagnostic test (a 70 x 20mm plastic strip), thereby reducing costs and infection risks.
‘Phytophthora is a major problem in horticulture and the wider natural environment’, comments Mr Danks. ‘Not all species are serious problems, but ramorum and kernoviae are notifiable organisms in the European Union. Having a much faster and low cost method of identifying these pathogens will help growers and government plant health services manage the challenges more effectively.’
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Notes for editors
1. PDplus™ is a specialist service for plant health experts such as growers, environmental managers and statutory inspection services. PDplus™ is beneficial in cases where the the user detects Phytophthora with a Pocket Diagnostic™ test and requires identification to species level. The Pocket Diagnostic™ test strip (which will detect all species of Phytophthora) is returned to Forsite for DNA analysis – and it is this DNA analysis which is PDplus™.
2. Customers will receive results from the PDplus™ analysis within 3 working days of the test Pocket Diagnostic test strip arriving in the Forsite office. Results are returned by email or SMS message.
3. PDplus™ can be used currently to identify four species of Phytophthora: P. ramorum, P. kernoviae, P. frageriae and P. cactorum from a wide range of host plants. All of these species of Phytophthora are damaging to plants, with the first two causing increasing concern due to their impact on plants in the natural environment. P. frageriae and P. cactorum are of more concern to the strawberry industry. For more about ramorum and kernoviae, visit www.defra.gov.uk/planth/pramorum.htm.
4. PDplus™ uses an ultra-sensitive molecular detection method known as real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) based on TaqMan® chemistry to confirm the identity of the target pathogen on the Pocket Diagnostic test. The DNA used in the analysis is collected from the plant sample by the Pocket Diagnostic test strip - the first commercial service to use DNA collected in this way. This patented technology achieves significant time and cost savings over conventional methods. The PCR analysis in PDplus™ is being carried out by the world-renowned Central Science Laboratory under agreement with Forsite Diagnostics.
5. Forsite Diagnostics Ltd is a new company, set up in 2007 as a spin out from the UK government’s Central Science Laboratory, an Executive Agency of Defra. Forsite specialises in developing and manufacturing on-site diagnostics for plant health, animal health and food safety targets using lateral flow technology, as in the home pregnancy test. The company produces the Pocket Diagnostic™ range of tests for plant diseases, with sales around the world. Further information on Pocket Diagnostic tests can be found at www.pocketdiagnostic.com.
Pocket Diagnostic tests confirmed to farmers that it is blight which is damaging their crops, and they are now in a better position to control the disease.
The farmers in Maharashtra District were the first in India to use the test kits produced in York by Forsite Diagnostics Ltd., during a visit which marks a turning point for the start-up company.
Tomato farmers in India face many challenges from pest and disease, including the blight familiar to UK tomato and potato growers. ‘Farmers need to know what diseases are attacking their crops in order to use the correct control methods’, says Dr Paul Meakin of Forsite Diagnostics. ‘The fact that our Pocket Diagnostic test showed blight to be one of the main problems is a step in the right direction for these farmers. Now they can decide on the best treatment to protect yields, knowing for certain what disease they are facing.’
Forsite Diagnostics is working with Gujarat Life Sciences (GLS) of India to bring on-site diagnostic tests to Indian farmers. ‘Indian conditions are very different, but many of the diseases are similar. This means several of our well-established on-site tests are relevant’, adds Dr Meakin. ‘It is a major business opportunity for Forsite, and there will be real benefits to Indian farmers if we are successful. Our partnership with GLS is essential in understanding and addressing market needs in India.’
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Notes for editors
1. Forsite Diagnostics Ltd was set up in 2007 as a spin out from the UK Government’s Central Science Laboratory. The company employs 15 staff at its Sand Hutton base where diagnostic tests for plant and animal diseases and food contaminants are developed and manufactured. See www.forsitediagnositcs.com for more.
2. Pocket Diagnostic™ tests manufactured by Forsite detect a range of over 20 viral, fungal and bacterial diseases in plants and are used by growers in the field to help make decisions on crop management. More details at: www.pocketdiagnostic.com.
3. Gujarat Life Sciences is an established company in northern India manufacturing microbial biopesticides and growth promoters for farmers in developing countries.
4. The joint Forsite/GLS visit to India took place between 9-13 July to the Maharashtra District, north of Mumbia.
5. The farmer whose tomato was shown by a Pocket Diagnostic test to be infected with blight is Mr. Suryakant Arjun Bhagat of Kumshet Village.
In mild, damp conditions, the fungus which causes blight can rapidly kill potato and tomato plants, leaving the gardener with no yield at all. Usually, the first symptoms seen are browning of patches at the edges of leaves, and this is the time to take action if further damage is to be avoided.
‘Blight is one of the most serious diseases vegetable gardeners have to face’, says Mike Ward, head of sales at Forsite Diagnostics Ltd. ‘Because it’s so destructive, one of the most important steps gardeners can take to protect crops is to detect the disease early – and to make sure they know what they are dealing with.’ Early symptoms of blight can easily be confused with damage caused by other diseases or even sun scorch. ‘If you’re not sure of the problem, you can’t be sure of the correct treatment’, continues Mr Ward. ‘That’s where the new PocketCheck test can really make a difference.’
PocketCheck is a rapid test for gardeners to help them identify disease symptoms on their potato and tomato plants. The tests are based on the well-known technology in the home pregnancy kit, and give an easy to read answer in about 3-5 minutes.
Gardeners have not got many weapons in their struggles against blight, but PocketCheck can certainly help tip the balance in their favour by confirming infection early. Mr Ward points out, ‘Once the problem is identified correctly, useful steps such as removing infected foliage or spraying with fungicide can be carried out.’
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The Bioscience Network, managed by Science City York, will develop strategic options for strengthening York’s position as a centre of science innovation and employment.
The Bioscience Network will work alongside similar bodies focusing on digital technologies and the creative industries. Together, the three networks will develop Science City York’s sector strategy for continued growth and employment in these key industry areas. In the last 10 years, Science City York has helped to generate nearly 3000 jobs in the area, and the firm commitment is for more growth.
Mr Danks was delighted at the opportunity to play a part in supporting biosciences in the region, commenting, ‘This is an exciting time for bioscience, with many new opportunities and York is well-placed to capitalise further on its already strong reputation. Science City York was very helpful during the establishment of Forsite Diagnostics, and it is a pleasure to be working with them now to build a strong future for biosciences in York.’
Gullimex BV has excellent presence in the food and horticulture markets, and will add Pocket Diagnostic kits to its extensive range of instrumentation and testing equipment.
Mike Ward, head of sales at Forsite, commented that the new relationship with Gullimex was a strategic step to improve market reach for the plant disease test kits. ‘Gullimex’s area of operations covers a horticulturally-rich area of Europe, and this presence will boost awareness and sales of Pocket Diagnostic products.’
Pocket Diagnostic products are well known across Europe as the market leader for on-site tests used by growers and statutory plant health inspectors. Among the portfolio are rapid tests for botrytis and for the phytophthora fungus which is a serious threat to the health of trees and shrubs on nurseries and in gardens and the wider environment. ‘We are confident that Gullimex will be able to find new markets for the phytophthora test and other tests in the range’, adds Mike Ward.
Date of publication: 6 May 2008
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