Facilitating agricultural pest detection through rapid eDNA sensing

Building on earlier work demonstrating the potential of environmental DNA (eDNA) for early pest detection, this project aims to develop CRISPR-based diagnostic test kits for the rapid, field-based detection of invasive pests and disease vectors in Swiss agriculture. The research focuses on creating highly sensitive and specific assays for priority insect species, validating them under real agricultural conditions, and enabling faster decision-making for pest management. By providing results directly on site within hours, the project seeks to support more targeted phytosanitary measures and reduce pesticide use.

Climate change and global trade are increasing the spread of invasive pests and the diseases they transmit, posing growing risks to agriculture. Early detection is essential for effective pest management, yet current monitoring methods are often labor-intensive and unable to identify infestations at an early stage. This project develops CRISPR-based diagnostic tools that combine environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling with rapid molecular detection, enabling the identification of invasive pests and disease vectors directly in the field. Building on successful pilot studies showing that eDNA monitoring can detect pests weeks before conventional surveys, the project will develop and validate test kits for multiple priority species in Switzerland. The resulting tools aim to improve surveillance, support timely interventions, and contribute to more sustainable crop protection practices.