Develop a fast, reliable, and user-friendly method to detect pathogens in potato tubers using a sequencing approach

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded a $101,971 Cooperative Agreement to Texas A&M Agrilife Research on September 1, 2026, to develop a fast, reliable, and user-friendly method to detect pathogens in potato tubers using a sequencing approach. The award funds development of both a laboratory workflow and a bioinformatic pipeline to detect pathogens with a DNA genome in potato tubers, which serve as seeds and represent a major pathway for pathogen transmission. The pipeline is designed to be easily adapted to detect other types of pathogens in different tissues and crops.

The period of performance runs through August 31, 2027, with work performed in Texas. Texas A&M Agrilife Research, the research division of the Texas A&M University System, is a state government entity and 1862 land-grant research institution. The organization receives the majority of its federal award volume from USDA agencies including NIFA, ARS, and APHIS, and maintains active research relationships across NSF, Department of the Interior, Department of Homeland Security, and NASA.

Potato tubers are used (and in this case referred to) as seeds; therefore, they are a major pathway for pathogen transmission. This agreement will develop both a laboratory workflow and an easy-to-use bioinformatic pipeline to detect pathogens with a DNA genome in potato tubers; however, the pipeline can be easily adapted to detect other types of pathogens in different tissues and crops.