Evaluation of an ultra-portable pocket-sized device for running Loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays for rapid detection of sweetpotato viruses

TL;DR

A small, portable device for detecting sweetpotato viruses was tested and found to be accurate and cost-effective for use in resource-limited areas.

Contribution

The study demonstrates the successful adaptation of a human health LAMP device for plant virus detection in the field.

Findings

The ultra-portable LAMP device achieved 100% agreement with a standard LAMP device in detecting sweetpotato viruses.

The device showed high accuracy and strong correlation (r > 0.89) in time-to-positive results.

Using the pocket LAMP device reduced per-test costs by approximately 40% without compromising reliability.

Abstract

The sweetpotato (
Ipomoea batatas) is an important food crop in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, but its yield and quality are heavily affected by viral diseases. Timely and precise detection of virus infections is essential for effective monitoring of seed health and disease management. We evaluated the feasibility of using a compact, ultra-portable LAMP-based diagnostic device—initially designed for human health applications—for detecting key sweetpotato viruses (SPCSV, SPFMV, and SPLCV). Field and greenhouse samples were tested, showing 100% agreement in virus detection with a larger commonly used LAMP device. Sensitivity tests confirmed consistent performance, and the use of portable power banks enabled reliable on-site use. The statistical analysis indicated high accuracy and strong correlation in time-to-positive values between methods (r > 0.89, p < 0.01). Furthermore, cost analysis demonstrated that the pocket LAMP device setup significantly reduced per-test costs—by approximately 40%—while maintaining diagnostics reliability. These findings support the potential of this tool on plant virus detection in locations with limited resources.

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