Researchers from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) developed two detection kits for major diseases of mango: anthracnose and stem-end rot.
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.),” aimed to develop a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays for the detection of the causative fungi of anthracnose, stem-end rot, and scab diseases of Philippine ‘Carabao’ mango.
The project is funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), in collaboration with Mie University in Japan under the DOST and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Joint Research Program.
Dr. Lourdes V. Alvarez of the PUP led the implementation of the project.
During the terminal review of the project, Dr. Alvarez said that the kits can detect the presence or absence of the causal pathogens of anthracnose and stem-end rot 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 added.
The project review was attended by the project team members from PUP, representatives from the DOST-Special Projects Division, and the DOST-PCAARRD Crops Research Division headed by Ms. Maria Adelia C. Belen, Supervising Science Research Specialist.
Meanwhile, the Technical Review and Evaluation Panel was composed of Dr. Teresita U. Dalisay from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, Dr. Mary Beth B. Maningas from the University of Santo Tomas, and Ms. Mae A. Dagaas from the DOST-PCAARRD Technology Transfer and Promotion Division.
A patent application for the developed LAMP kits has been filed by the project team.