Plant diseases: diagnostics, monitoring and quarantine
About this expertise
In short- Early detection of plant diseases
- Innovative diagnostic tools developed by WUR
- Tailored monitoring and surveillance
- Advice on quarantine and phytosanitary policy
- Applications from lab to practice
Healthy crops start with disease-free planting material and fast, reliable diagnosis of plant diseases. Wageningen University & Research (WUR) develops and provides diagnostic methods, surveillance systems and quarantine expertise that enable businesses, growers and authorities to effectively control plant diseases and trade safely across borders.
Plant diseases and pests demand rapid detection and accurate identification. WUR develops and validates detection techniques such as PCR/qPCR, LAMP, serological tests and high-throughput sequencing techniques (HTS). Monitoring tools – including spore traps, pest traps, sensor networks and predictive models – are used to identify disease pressure at an early stage.
Our strength lies in linking research to policy and practice. We advise governments and international organisations such as the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), EPPO and EFSA on quarantine policy and risk assessments, while also supporting growers and companies with practical diagnostic tools and decision-support information. This enables early detection, helps prevent large-scale outbreaks and ensures compliance with (inter)national trade standards.
Our researchers develop and improve detection techniques such as serological tests (ELISA) and molecular assays (PCR/qPCR, on-site LAMP tests and Next-Generation Sequencing). These methods are developed and validated by WUR and made available worldwide through Prime Diagnostics as diagnostic kits and reagents. We also develop innovative image analysis, electron microscopy and multiplex detection methods, optimising them for practical use.
WUR improves pest and spore traps, develops sensor networks, and deploys drones and cameras for early warning. Our models predict disease pressure (e.g. Phytophthora) and support growers and policymakers in taking preventive action. This results in practical monitoring solutions as well as scientific evidence for national and European surveillance programmes.
Our experts advise the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN), NVWA, EPPO and EFSA on quarantine organisms and phytosanitary measures. WUR develops diagnostic assays and validation protocols that are used worldwide for import and export inspections. Through our active role in international working groups, we ensure that regulations and implementation are based on the latest scientific insights.
Through Prime Diagnostics, WUR supplies diagnostic products, training and laboratory support to companies and inspection services worldwide. With Q-bank, we maintain an international reference database of quarantine organisms. Co-creation projects with growers, seed companies and inspection authorities ensure that innovations are directly aligned with practical needs.
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Contact us
For more information, contact our expert.
ing. JRCM (Jose) van Beckhoven
Researcher plant diagnostics