Early Pathogen Detection in Plants via Nucleic Acid Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting pathogens in plants and identifying resistance to control agents are either too complex or unable to detect pathogens at an early stage without visible symptoms, and do not effectively determine resistance status.
Innovation Solution
A system and procedure that uses sequence analysis to identify pathogens and resistance markers by sequencing nucleic acids or peptides, comparing sequences with reference sequences in two phases, allowing for early detection and identification of pathogens and their resistance to control agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image analysis is used to detect plant diseases, then visible symptoms can be identified, but pathogens cannot be detected at an early stage without visible symptoms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces image analysis (optical/mechanical system) with nucleic acid sequencing (molecular system) to detect pathogens. This substitution enables detection at the molecular level before visible symptoms appear, resolving the contradiction between detection precision and detection timing by using a fundamentally different detection mechanism that operates at the genetic level rather than the visual level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces nucleic acid sequencing as an intermediary method between the pathogen's genetic material and the detection system. By sequencing nucleic acids and comparing them to reference sequences, the system can identify pathogens and their resistance markers early in the infection process, before symptoms become visible to the naked eye or detectable by image analysis.
2Productivity
If microelectrochemical multiplex PCR platform is used for rapid detection, then real-time amplification and quantification can be achieved, but the platform must be specifically adapted for each disease and is comparatively complex to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal nucleic acid sequencing platform that can detect multiple different pathogens and their resistance markers using the same core technology. Instead of requiring separate PCR platforms adapted for each specific disease, the sequencing approach provides multi-functionality by sequencing and comparing nucleic acid sequences against databases of reference sequences, enabling detection of various pathogens and resistance markers with a single system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from pathogen-specific amplification (PCR) to sequence comparison. By sequencing nucleic acids and comparing the obtained sequences to reference sequences in a database, the system can detect different pathogens and resistance markers by changing the comparison target rather than changing the detection method itself, thereby reducing platform complexity while maintaining detection speed.
3Reliability
If traditional detection methods are used, then pathogen presence can be detected, but resistance status of the pathogen population cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into two distinct phases: first detecting pathogen presence through nucleic acid sequencing, then determining resistance status by comparing sequences to resistance marker references. This segmentation allows the system to provide both pathogen detection and resistance information separately and comprehensively, resolving the contradiction by adding the resistance analysis component without compromising the established pathogen detection accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to the early detection of pathogens of plants, and the identification of signs of resistance of these pathogens to chemical or biological control agents. The present invention also relates to a system, a method, and a computer-readable medium for early detection of the presence of pathogens at, on or in plants using sequence analysis and the identification of signs of resistance.