Overview
California’s specialty crops—citrus, avocados, and grapes—are vital to our agricultural heritage and economy. Yet, they face growing threats from destructive diseases such as Huanglongbing, Citrus tristeza virus, and Pierce’s disease. Led by Professor Hideaki Tsutsui at UC Riverside, this project is developing an innovative, handheld device that empowers growers to quickly collect high-quality nucleic acids directly in the field—without the need for an on-site laboratory.
Breakthrough Technology
Pocket-Sized Innovation: Compact, Efficient, Transformative
Imagine a tool no larger than a soda can that can transform the way we detect crop diseases. Dr Tsutsui device:
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Automates Tissue Lysis: A high-speed motor and precision blade work together to gently yet effectively break down plant tissue.
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Streamlines Nucleic Acid Extraction: A specially designed paper disk captures the total nucleic acids—ready for rapid downstream testing.
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Simplifies the Process: By eliminating lengthy lab procedures, the device allows growers to simply collect a sample, mail it to a central lab, and receive prompt diagnostic results.​
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This cutting-edge approach mirrors the rapid testing models seen in recent public health responses, but is tailored to the unique needs of our specialty crops.
Why It Matters
​Rapid, Affordable, Empowering
Faster Response Times: Early and accurate disease detection can save entire orchards from devastating outbreaks.
Cost-Effective & Scalable: By reducing reliance on traditional lab infrastructure, our device cuts costs and simplifies logistics for both growers and diagnostic labs.
Enhanced Grower Confidence: With a tool that can be used on-site, farmers can more readily monitor crop health and take timely action, protecting both their livelihoods and California’s agricultural future.
Outreach and Education
Innovative Approach
The project isn’t just about technological innovation—it’s also about empowering stakeholders:
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Hands-On Training: We’re hosting regional workshops and live demonstrations to show growers, farm advisors, and researchers how to use the device effectively.
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Online Resources: A dedicated website will feature detailed demonstration videos, protocols, and interactive Q&A sessions to ensure that both scientists and non-scientists can understand and benefit from this technology.
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Collaborative Impact: By engaging with agricultural organizations and extension networks, we’re ensuring that our innovations translate into real-world benefits across California’s specialty crop industry.
Looking Ahead
With successful validation in both the lab and field, this portable nucleic acid collection device has the potential to transform disease diagnostics in specialty crops. Beyond immediate impact, its scalable design opens doors to future integrations—potentially incorporating on-site molecular tests—paving the way for smarter, more resilient agricultural practices.
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Join us on this journey to safeguard California’s specialty crops and drive agricultural innovation forward.
