Developing a portable DNA-based platform, for rapid on-site identification of Chilean needle grass and serrated tussock

Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) such as Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana) and serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma) can often only be distinguished from native grasses at later flowering stages. As a result, weed surveillance field officers may not recognise new emergences of these WoNS until after they have established as difficult to control populations.
Laboratory based genetic diagnostics allow an alternative means of identifying weeds, but require the use of complex procedures and equipment operated by specialist technicians. In contrast, the development of a simple low cost genetic platform which could be used in the field by non-specialists to rapidly identify suspected weeds remains a challenge. Genetic diagnostics using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) can be done within an hour and is currently used as a simple non-specialist method for rapidly identifying various pathogens. We propose LAMP diagnostics could similarly be developed for field identification of targeted weeds.
Here we discuss the early stages required for the development of a portable LAMP platform targeted for use by field officers to allow early detection of Chilean needle grass and serrated tussock. Delivery of a successful platform would minimise the time-lag to initial recognition of emergence of these weeds in novel areas outside of their established ranges, improving time to management response for local eradication of the weeds.