Early detection of wheat streak mosaic virus through leaf volatile organic compound monitoring
A non-invasive, cost-effective sensor-based approach for early detection of Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) in wheat and alternative host plants. By monitoring leaf volatile organic compounds emitted before symptoms appear, this method offers an alternative to destructive ELISA, RT-qPCR, and nanopore sequencing assays, enabling proactive virus management in wheat production.
Overview
Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) is a significant viral pathogen that threatens wheat production, yet current detection relies on destructive and costly methods such as ELISA, RT-qPCR, and nanopore sequencing that typically require visible symptoms to be present. This solution proposes a non-invasive, cost-effective early detection method that monitors leaf volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from infected wheat plants and alternative host species. By identifying VOC signatures associated with WSMV infection before symptoms develop, the approach enables growers and crop managers to detect the virus in asymptomatic carrier hosts, supporting timely intervention and improved disease management.
Technical specifications
- Target pathogen: Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV), with prior validation using ELISA (N=181 samples, 147 positive) and RT-qPCR quantification of viral copy number
- Detection approach: Sensitive portable electronic volatile compound detection sensor used to monitor VOCs emitted from inoculated and control plants
- Plant material: Susceptible and tolerant wheat cultivars, plus alternative hosts including downy brome and foxtail millet, with four replications and one mock-inoculated control per variety
- Inoculation protocol: WSMV inoculation at the 2–3 leaf stage of seedling development under greenhouse conditions
- Advantages over current methods: Non-invasive sampling, lower cost than molecular assays, and potential to detect infection prior to symptom development in asymptomatic carriers
Technology readiness level
The underlying WSMV detection capabilities (ELISA, RT-qPCR, and nanopore sequencing of isolates) have been established in the laboratory. The VOC-based early detection concept is at an early experimental stage, with planned greenhouse validation across susceptible and tolerant wheat cultivars and key alternative hosts. Further work is needed to define specific VOC biomarkers, validate sensor sensitivity and specificity, and transition from controlled greenhouse conditions to field deployment.
About Kansas State University
Kansas State University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university with multiple campuses and a strong applied mission. Industry partners tap a statewide extension network that connects companies to field sites, talent, and rapid outreach; campus pilot plants and analytical services enable bench‑to‑pilot scale validation, while co‑located high‑containment facilities support regulated studies. The Olathe campus in the Kansas City metro serves as an industry‑engagement hub with workforce pipelines, collaborative labs, and proximity to the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, USDA, and DOE, alongside state and corporate sponsors, and a dedicated technology transfer office streamlines IP, sponsored research, and startup formation.
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