Location: Vegetable Research
Project Number: 6080-22000-030-053-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 1, 2025
End Date: Aug 31, 2028
Objective:
1. To develop non-destructive image-based analysis for rapid, field-based virus detection in sweetpotato.
2. To develop field-based detection tools to discriminate the most common sweetpotato viruses (sweet potato leaf curl virus, sweet potato feathery mottle virus, sweet potato virus G, sweet potato virus C, and sweet potato virus 2).
3. To evaluate the sensitivity of novel field-based detection tools.
4. To identify weedy reservoirs contributing to the persistence of major viruses and their transmission into sweetpotato crops.
Approach:
Developing multispectral and hyperspectral imaging for field-based virus detection. We have demonstrated the effectiveness of multispectral and hyperspectral imaging analysis for evaluation of plant health and virus detection with collaborators. We used hyperspectral imaging paired to machine learning with over 89% accuracy for detection of sweet potato leaf curl virus and will develop applications of these technologies in the field.
Developing field-based discrimination of major sweetpotato viruses. Alongside imaging analysis for virus indication, we will develop sensitive molecular diagnostic tools with point-of-care application for discrimination of the common sweetpotato viruses. We will couple virus-specific isothermal amplification with CRISPR/Cas for highly specific cleavage of viral targets, using fluorescence, colorimetry, or lateral flow for in-field signal transduction.
Evaluate the sensitivity of field-based detection tools. We will evaluate the sensitivity of newly developed image-based analysis and molecular detection assays using transmission experiments and quantitative tests with time-series analyses. Virus-free sweetpotato will be exposed to viruliferous whitefly and aphid vectors to simulate natural field transmission. Sensitivities of the new detection methods will be tested using imaging and plant extracts at different time points after vector inoculation and with varied and serially diluted viral titers.
Identify weedy reservoirs of major sweetpotato viruses. Alternative weedy hosts potentially contributing to the persistence of common sweetpotato viruses will be identified through virus testing. Virus-positive plant hosts will be evaluated for their ability to support whitefly and aphid vectors and serve as a virus acquisition source. Virus transmission studies will be conducted with identified reservoir hosts and sweetpotato.
Expected Outcomes:
1. Non-destructive field-based imaging for virus detection in sweetpotato.
2. Rapid, isothermal discrimination of major sweetpotato viruses in the field.
3. Evaluation of molecular versus image-based methods for early detection of viruses.
4. Identification of weedy reservoirs of common sweetpotato viruses and their contribution to virus transmission and persistence.
5. At least four manuscripts will be written and published in refereed journals.