Rapid detection of Tobacco streak virus (TSV) in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) based on Reverse Transcription Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (RT-LAMP)

Tobacco Streak Virus (TSV) belongs to the genus Ilarvirus of the family Bromoviridae an emerging pathogen posing threat to the crop species worldwide. Identification of symptoms due to TSV infection by visual observation of plants often results in misdiagnosis as symptoms produced by this virus can match with those reflecting physiological and nutritional disorders affecting cotton. Development of diagnostic tools with rapidity will have immense role to play in detection and management of the emerging virus. The protocol for rapid diagnosis of TSV infected samples by using Reverse Transcription-Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (RT-LAMP) was optimised and this is the first report of its use for diagnosis of TSV on cotton and Soybean. The colorimetric detection for diagnostic simplicity of amplified RT-LAMP product by using different dyes lead to enhanced applicability of this technique. The RT-LAMP diagnostic tool can be utilized not only for laboratory research but also for quarantine and field diagnosis of this important emerging pathogen affecting cotton.