More and more growers are turning to Spark Radar's rapid tests, and that's great news for the company. Their lab is based at Utrecht Science Park, right next to one of the most innovative hubs for molecular plant science.
Spark Radar develops tests that make life easier for growers who want fast answers. For example, the Radar Single Leaf Scan allows you to check one symptomatic plant for the presence of a virus or bacterium. For larger-scale monitoring, there's the Radar Multi Leaf Scan. This pre-symptomatic test can handle up to 100 leaf samples at once, helping growers catch infections before visible symptoms appear.
Both tests are already widely used for detecting ToBRFV and Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus (CGMMV). Recently, the Multi Leaf Scan received a major upgrade that makes it much more user-friendly. Thanks to several clever innovations from the Spark team, the number of steps needed to run the pre-symptomatic Multi Leaf Scan has been reduced by 75 percent, making it quicker and easier than ever to use.
© Spark RadarRogier van der Voort and Bas Rutjens, founders of Spark Radar
Fewer steps, less hassle
Growers often use the pre-symptomatic test to check large numbers of leaves, up to 100 at a time. In practice, the hygiene protocols that growers already follow usually determine how often these tests are run, making it easier to quickly and effectively identify suspicious material. Spark Radar also notices a growing interest in testing irrigation water for specific viruses and bacteria. According to Rogier van der Voort, this proactive approach saves growers a lot of stress and gives them more control. "We've made real progress here too. For example, in our water tests we can now distinguish between 'dead' and 'living' viruses. More on that soon!"
Most growers are not trained lab technicians, and that's exactly why simplification was high on the wish list. "Reducing the number of steps was a clear request from our customers," says Rogier. "Running a test with lots of steps can be tricky if it's not your daily routine. Having to reread instructions each time is just not practical. And honestly, I don't pipette droplets into tubes every day either," he laughs. To make things easier, Spark Radar now supports every test with a clear manual and a short 'how-to' video, so growers can confidently run the process themselves.
Test remains robust, confirmation from the field
Rogier founded the company together with Bas Rutjens, who oversees the scientific side. Bas explains: "Simplifying the test might sound straightforward, but it really isn't. We spent a year and a half redesigning the process without compromising on robustness, sensitivity, or reliability. In the lab, we were already confident. Now the field results confirm it too."
From mid-September, Spark Radar will supply the upgraded pre-symptomatic test, which now involves only four simple steps. Growers already using the current version can continue with their existing kits and instructions, so nothing goes to waste.
The Radar Multi Leaf Scan is available in kits of 10 tests, while the Radar Single Leaf Scan can be ordered separately for testing individual symptomatic plants. With the improved versions, growers get reliable results in just a few steps and can see for themselves how easy accurate testing has become.
For more information:
Rogier van der Voort
Spark Radar
Padualaan 8
3584 CH Utrecht
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.sparkradar.bio
