EXPLORATION OF LOOP-MEDIATED ISOTHERMAL AMPLIFICATION OF DNA IN PLANT DIAGNOSTICS

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is an effective method for amplification of a target DNA sequence, representing a fast and simple plant diagnostic tool. This method requires a set of four (or six) specifically designed primers and a DNA polymerase with strand displacing activity. Amplification products contain single-stranded loops with repeated target sequences. detected by agarose electrophoresis or methods based on the qualitative assessment of reaction by-products pyrophosphate ions. Detection of specific nucleic acid sequences by LAMP overcomes many limitations of methods based on polymerase chain reaction - PCR. LAMP method is performed in isothermal conditions, which eliminates the need for thermocyclers and enables the reaction with no need for sophisticated equipment (heating block or water bath). In addition, a simplified method for detection of amplification products makes it applicable in the field or less equipped laboratories. LAMP is a highly effective method for plant pathogens diagnosis, identification of genetically modified organisms or authentication of plant species.