In a world-first development for biosecurity management, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has used a new rapid DNA sequencing technology which can speed up data analysis of pests, weeds and diseases.
The technique could change how we monitor and manage diseases and pests at national and international levels to ensure the safety of our food supplies and the protection of our environment.
NSW DPIRD scientists first used the innovative approach to accelerate species identification rates during the NSW varroa mite emergency response.
NSW DPIRD biosecurity molecular epidemiologist, Daniel Bogema, said rapid and accurate identification of the species as Varroa destructor was critical.
"The technology delivered sharper insights for surveillance and tracking during the early stages of the biosecurity operation and streamlined the process by isolating longer fragments of varroa DNA using an advanced gene editing technique called CRISPR," Dr Bogema said.
"Our team at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI) was able to sequence DNA in a Nanopore sequencer, a portable device which can be used in the field.
"Time is critical in an emergency response and the new technique delivered 12 times more data in a 24-hour period compared with conventional PCR methods."
This valuable investment in research and new technology allows NSW DPIRD to continue to deliver state-of-the-art diagnostic services to support primary industries.
The rapid genetic diagnostic methods developed by the team can be used to monitor and identify any number of pests, weeds or diseases.
NSW DPIRD scientist, Gus McFarlane, said the EMAI team sees broad applications for the technique in the ongoing management and surveillance of biosecurity and food safety threats.
"This technique is simpler and quicker to design and validate than current multiplexed PCR tests and is now being used to study cattle diseases," Dr McFarlane said.
"NSW DPIRD's findings contribute valuable insights to the future development of CRISPR-targeted Nanopore sequencing."
