Research project Improved detection of regulated Torradoviruses

In progress DETECTORRADO 01/09/2025 → 28/02/2027

Contact our expert

Kris De Jonghe

Plant health expert

Contact

Info Contact Partners

General introduction

Torrado viruses are a relatively newly recognized genus in the plant world within the family Secoviridae, comprising 18 species, some officially recognized by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) and others still under consideration. In the DETECTORRADO project, researchers are developing generic diagnostic tools that can detect all known torrado virus species, with high sensitivity and specificity. For regulated species such as tomato torrado virus, tomato marchitez virus and potato ridge stunting virus, there will be specific tests that meet international diagnostic standards. DETECTORRADO is a Belgian initiative supported by CRA-W and ILVO. The detection methods developed are necessary to monitor the prevalence and spread of the virus in Belgium's critical agricultural sectors.

Research approach

It starts from existing diagnostic methods. These are evaluated and compared to know their strengths and limitations with respect to the new virus. Joint test performance studies with multiple laboratories generate robust validation data. Formal accreditation for the validated methods by the Belgian National Reference Laboratory (a consortium of both project partners CRA-W and ILVO) is then underway, adhering to EPPO standards. Targeted surveys of torrado viruses in Belgium's critical agricultural sectors are then planned, using the data to monitor the prevalence and spread of the virus. This involves working with the Euphresco project consortium to establish an EPPO standard for torrado virus diagnostics, which could harmonize diagnostic practices across Europe.

Relevance/Valorization

We expect this approach to produce new unified diagnostic tools that meet the highest standards of reliability and accuracy. The proposed research is closely aligned with the transnational research program by promoting cooperation among EU partners and harmonizing diagnostic practices across Europe. The transnational approach not only strengthens the impact of the project, but also supports the broader goal of protecting agricultural productivity in Europe from threats posed by torrado viruses. The project's alignment with EPPO standards and collaboration with multiple laboratories in the EU underscore its relevance and importance to this topic.