[Chaiyaphum, 29 November 2023] – An advancement in the battle against cassava disease emerges as the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) introduces the strip test for early detection of Sri Lankan Cassava Mosaic Virus (SLCMV): Rapid SLCMV-ICG Strip Test. This cutting-edge technology marks a turning point in cassava farming, empowering communities to safeguard crops and secure livelihoods.
Winrock International, in collaboration with BIOTEC and the Chaiyaphum Farmer Federation, is at the forefront of addressing disease management through the Rapid SLCMV-ICG Strip Test. The significance of this dynamic partnership is underscored by the announcement of a technology transfer workshop titled “Detection of Cassava Mosaic Disease Using SLCMV-ICG Strip Test Kit” in Chaiyaphum province on November 29, 2023. Beyond a conventional workshop, this event serves as a hands-on platform for 50 local farmers, enabling them to leverage the potential of the Rapid SLCMV-ICG Strip Test for early disease surveillance and the production of virus-free cassava stems.
Mr. Thavorn Khatwong, President of the Chaiyaphum Farmer Federation, has expressed concerns regarding the outbreak of CMD among local farmers. He reported, “Farmers in the area have voiced their apprehension as the disease has been rapidly spreading in cassava fields, with some cases emerging in as little as three months. Consequently, several farmers have had to take the drastic measure of destroying entire plots of diseased cassava.”
Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment available for CMD. In response to the challenge, Thailand’s Department of Agriculture Extension recommends farmers to address the CMD spread by opting for the controlled burning of infected crops.
Dr. Oraprapai Gajanandana and Dr. Saengsoon Charoenvilaisiri, researchers from the Monoclonal Antibody Production and Application Research Team at BIOTEC, revealed that “The BIOTEC research team successfully developed the Rapid SLCMV-ICG Strip Test that delivers rapid and precise results within 15 minutes.” Crafted for field use, its user-friendly design ensures that even individuals with minimal training can effectively perform on-site testing, promoting immediate action in response to potential infections. Remarkably, it achieved a relative accuracy of 96%, a relative specificity of 100%, and a relative sensitivity of 91%. Additionally, the test’s portability and convenience make it easily transportable to remote farming communities, addressing the challenge of limited access to conventional diagnostic facilities in such areas.
Dr. Kuakoon Piyachomkwan, Deputy Executive Director at BIOTEC, emphasized, “BIOTEC encourages farmers and individuals involved in cassava production to utilize the Rapid SLCMV-ICG Strip Test for self-screening against the disease. This proactive measure is crucial in minimizing the risk of introducing infected cutting stems to cultivation fields, ultimately reducing the severe damage caused by CMD to the supply chain of the country’s cassava industry.”
The Rapid SLCMV-ICG Strip Test stands out as one of the pioneering technologies endorsed by the USDA Thailand Regional Agriculture Innovation Network (RAIN) project. Mr. William Sparks, Project Director and Chief of Party, Winrock International pointed out, “Rapid SLCMV-ICG Strip Test represents an innovation for factories and government agencies, ensuring a consistent supply of healthy cassava. Through collaborative efforts, we aim to uphold Thailand’s position as the world’s leading exporter of cassava.”
About the Rapid SLCMV-ICG Strip Test
3-Step Guide to Rapid SLCMV-ICG Strip Test:
- Grind a cassava leaf in the extraction tube.
- Dip the test strip into the liquid obtained from the ground leaf.
- Read your result:
- Positive result (Infected with Cassava mosaic disease): Two lines appear. One colored line should be in the control line region (C), and another colored line should be in the test line region (T).
- Negative result (Not infected with the disease): One colored line appears in the control line region (C). No line appears in the test line region (T).
These straightforward steps empower users to promptly assess the health of cassava plants in the field, thereby contributing to timely and well-informed decision-making for disease screening and surveillance purposes.
About the synergy between BIOTEC and Winrock
BIOTEC/NSTDA is a part of the Thai Regional Agriculture Innovation Network (RAIN) project consortium. This initiative, funded by the US Department of Agriculture and executed by Winrock International, aims to encourage the uptake of climate-smart innovations. RAIN’s goal is to enhance productivity, diminish environmental impact, and boost trade in Thailand and Southeast Asia by establishing a Climate Hub. An MoU between BIOTEC/NSTDA and Winrock International was signed on June 21, 2023.
