Published article in Viruses journal characterising viral populations associated with cassava in Kenya. In this study, cassava samples obtained from major cassava growing regions in Kenya were analyzed by Illumina sequencing. Results identified the most abundant viruses and characterized their genome-wide variation, identified genetically stable and hypervariable areas, establishing the foundation to develop improved diagnostic tests, and have wider implications for breeding virus-resistant cassava.

This study establishes a practical framework for CRISPR-Cas13a diagnostics in plant pathology and provides a low-infrastructure strategy that could improve the speed and accuracy of fire blight surveillance and broader agricultural biosecurity efforts.

We are thrilled to announce the publication of a new National Diagnostic Protocol (NDP) for exotic leafhopper vectors of Australia’s number 1 National Priority Plant Pest, Xylella species.