Sugarcane field with glowing DNA strands symbolizing rapid disease detection.

Faster Sugarcane Testing: How New Tech Can Help Farmers

Rhea Morgan in Tech & Innovation August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A modified RS-LAMP assay and lateral flow devices offer quicker, on-site detection of Leifsonia xyli, helping to improve sugarcane yield and combat ratoon stunting disease."

Sugarcane farmers know that a healthy crop means a profitable harvest. But what happens when a silent threat lurks beneath the surface, stunting growth and slashing yields? Ratoon stunting disease (RSD), caused by the bacterium Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli (Lxx), is a widespread problem that can lead to substantial losses in sugarcane production. Traditional methods for detecting this disease are often slow, expensive, and require specialized lab equipment.

The problem is clear: farmers need a fast, reliable, and accessible way to identify RSD early on. This is especially crucial in areas where resources are limited. Ignoring this disease can result in up to a 50% reduction in yield, making early detection a key factor.

Fortunately, researchers have been working hard to find a better solution. This article explores a promising new approach that combines a modified RS-LAMP assay with lateral flow devices (LFDs) to rapidly detect Lxx right in the field. We'll break down how this technology works, why it's a game-changer, and how it can help farmers protect their sugarcane crops.

The New Testing Method: Fast, Accurate, and Accessible

Sugarcane field with glowing DNA strands symbolizing rapid disease detection.

The innovative testing method centers around Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP), a technique that amplifies DNA quickly and efficiently. In this case, researchers modified a specific LAMP assay (RS-LAMP) to target Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli (Lxx). The key improvements include:

Using uracil nucleoside glycosylase (UNG) to eliminate carry-over contamination. This prevents false positives and ensures reliable results.

Substituting traditional colorimetric detection with lateral flow devices (LFDs) for easy visualization. Think of it like a pregnancy test for sugarcane – a simple line indicates the presence of the disease.
Creating a pre-prepared master mix that can be stored for up to 4 months, making it accessible for on-site testing.
Exploring the use of sugarcane leaf sheaths as a sample source, which can be easier to obtain than xylem sap (the fluid extracted from the plant's core).

In essence, this modified RS-LAMP assay offers a streamlined process that reduces contamination risks, simplifies detection, and can be used with more readily available samples. Let’s delve into the benefits.

Empowering Farmers with Rapid Testing

The development of this modified RS-LAMP assay represents a significant step forward in combating ratoon stunting disease. By offering a faster, more accessible, and reliable testing method, this technology empowers farmers to make informed decisions, minimize yield losses, and improve overall sugarcane production.

Here's why this matters:

<ul><li>Early detection: Enables farmers to identify and address RSD infections early, preventing widespread damage.</li><li>Reduced costs: Lowers the expenses associated with traditional lab-based testing.</li><li>On-site testing: Allows farmers to perform tests directly in the field, eliminating the need to send samples to a lab.</li><li>Improved yields: Helps farmers maintain healthy crops and maximize sugarcane production.</li></ul>

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1111/lam.12799, Alternate LINK

Title: Modified Rs-Lamp Assay And Use Of Lateral Flow Devices For Rapid Detection Of Leifsonia Xyli Subsp. Xyli

Subject: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

Journal: Letters in Applied Microbiology

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: N. Naidoo, M. Ghai, K. Moodley, L. Mkize, L. Martin, S. Mcfarlane, S. Rutherford

Published: 2017-10-10

Everything You Need To Know

What is Ratoon Stunting Disease (RSD), and why is it such a concern for sugarcane farmers?

Ratoon Stunting Disease (RSD), caused by the bacterium *Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli* (*Lxx*), is a widespread problem that can lead to substantial losses in sugarcane production. It stunts the growth of sugarcane and can slash yields by up to 50%. Early detection is crucial for minimizing these losses. Traditional methods for detecting RSD are often slow, expensive, and require specialized lab equipment, making rapid and accessible testing methods necessary for effective disease management.

How does the modified RS-LAMP assay work to detect Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli (Lxx) in sugarcane?

The modified RS-LAMP assay uses Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) to quickly amplify the DNA of *Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli* (*Lxx*). Key modifications include using uracil nucleoside glycosylase (UNG) to prevent contamination, substituting colorimetric detection with lateral flow devices (LFDs) for easy visualization, and creating a pre-prepared master mix for on-site testing. It allows farmers to detect the presence of *Lxx* in sugarcane samples quickly and accurately, similar to a pregnancy test.

What role do lateral flow devices (LFDs) play in the new sugarcane testing method, and why are they beneficial?

Lateral flow devices (LFDs) are used in the modified RS-LAMP assay as a simple and rapid way to visualize the results. Instead of using traditional colorimetric detection methods, which may require specialized equipment, LFDs provide a clear visual indication (a line) if *Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli* (*Lxx*) is present in the sugarcane sample. This makes the testing process easier and more accessible for farmers, allowing for on-site detection without the need for extensive lab equipment.

Why is uracil nucleoside glycosylase (UNG) used in the modified RS-LAMP assay, and what problem does it solve?

Uracil nucleoside glycosylase (UNG) is used in the modified RS-LAMP assay to eliminate carry-over contamination. This enzyme prevents false positives by degrading any previously amplified DNA that might be present in the testing environment. This ensures that the test results are reliable and accurate, minimizing the risk of misdiagnosis and allowing farmers to make informed decisions based on trustworthy data. Without UNG, trace amounts of previous samples could lead to inaccurate positive results, undermining the effectiveness of the testing process.

What are the advantages of using sugarcane leaf sheaths as a sample source for testing, and how does it improve accessibility for farmers?

The shift towards using sugarcane leaf sheaths as a sample source offers several advantages. Obtaining samples from leaf sheaths is generally easier compared to extracting xylem sap, which requires accessing the plant's core. This simplifies the sample collection process, making it more practical for on-site testing. The modified RS-LAMP assay's ability to use leaf sheaths expands accessibility, allowing farmers to test more plants quickly and efficiently, ultimately enhancing disease management efforts and promoting healthier sugarcane crops. However, the consistency of results from leaf sheaths compared to xylem sap needs careful validation to ensure accuracy.