In a significant advancement for agricultural technology, the Western (Chongqing) Science City has unveiled a groundbreaking Potato Seed Virus Nano Microsphere Immunoassay Rapid Diagnostic Kit. This innovative product, developed by Professor Lyu Dianqiu and his team, marks a major step forward in combating potato viruses, offering a swift and efficient solution that was previously lacking in the domestic market.
The kit, a result of four years of dedicated research, utilizes cutting-edge biotechnology-derived immunological antibodies and innovative nano-microsphere materials. It stands out for its ability to deliver test results in a mere 5 minutes, a stark contrast to the slower traditional methods. This rapid diagnostic tool is not only simple to operate but also boasts high sensitivity, specificity, and cost-effectiveness, making it ideal for field testing.
Chongqing, known as China’s sixth-largest potato planting area, has historically faced challenges in ensuring the quality of seed potatoes due to the absence of effective detection technology. This has led to significant yield losses ranging from 10% to 20% or more. The introduction of this rapid diagnostic kit is set to revolutionize the industry by reducing disease occurrences and pesticide use, thereby promoting greener and healthier potato production. The improved testing methods are expected to enhance the quality of Chongqing’s potato seeds, leading to increased yields and economic benefits.
The kit has already seen widespread adoption in various potato enterprises and scientific research institutes across several provinces in China. In a move that underscores its global significance, the team has supplied 1,000 test kits to countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, including Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.