At the British Society of Plant Pathology conference held at the University of Oxford in 2024, Jade van Wijk presented a poster showcasing a collaborative project involving the Earlham Institute, Elsoms Wheat, the John Innes Centre, and the Natural History Museum. The research focuses on Puccinia striiformis—the fungal pathogen responsible for Yellow Rust, a persistent disease in wheat crops that causes annual industry losses estimated at $1 billion.
Yellow Rust thrives on living plant tissue and is notoriously challenging to monitor before outbreaks occur. To address this issue, the researchers employed the AirPrep Cub Sampler, for its high flow rate and easy portability, in conjunction with genomic sequencing, enabling them to track changes in fungal abundance across seasons and locations. This innovative approach allows breeders and growers to predict infection risks more accurately, facilitating the timely application of precise treatments and reducing the impact of the disease.
This work represents one of several groundbreaking applications of AirSeq, a joint venture by the Earlham Institute and the Natural History Museum in Norwich, UK, highlighting its potential to revolutionize plant disease monitoring and management.
Download the Poster
Sequencing the Air to Identify Cereal Rust Fungi Before They Decimate Crops
