OptiGene Playbook for Early Disease Detection in Winter Wheat
With technical insight provided by Ceres Research:

Early Disease Detection with Molecular Diagnostics
Early disease detection in arable crops using molecular diagnostic tools offers significant advantages for precision agriculture, sustainability, and resilience. By identifying specific threats at an earlier stage (e.g. 2-3 weeks prior to presentation of physical symptoms), farmers, growers and agronomists can apply targeted pre-symptomatic control measures, reducing reliance on broad-spectrum pesticide use, and lowering input costs. This precision can enable more efficient and effective application of plant protection products (PPPs), ensuring the right type and quantity is used, which minimises environmental impact and enhances traceability. Informed selection of PPPs based on early molecular diagnostics can improve both yield and crop quality. Moreover, early disease detection can support broader sustainability goals by reducing waste, protecting biodiversity, and improving resource use efficiency in line with environmental and regulatory standards. Ultimately, early disease detection offers the potential to reduce the environmental and financial risks associated with crop production in ever-changing and increasingly unpredictable conditions.

Introducing OptiGene’s MDX4A Molecular Diagnostic Platform
The OptiGene MDX4A molecular diagnostic platform is specifically designed for early detection of diseases (and pests), enabling farmers, growers and agronomists to conduct near-field detection of multiple targets simultaneously in under 30 minutes. Rather than using the technology to chase infections throughout the growing season, users should apply it strategically to support decision-making earlier than crop walking would traditionally allow, to avoid unnecessary chemical applications, and to prioritise high-risk areas. This targeted approach improves return-on-investment, while enhancing compliance with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles and evolving regulatory frameworks.