Health, Testing and Analysis

Tests provide insight into the quality of plant material. Naktuinbouw laboratories test plant material for the presence of harmful viruses, fungi, bacteria, nematodes and other organisms. With our extensive knowledge and high-tech equipment, we offer the assurance of meticulously tested propagating material and disease resistance.

To ensure compliance with the latest international guidelines, we work closely with organisations such as the NVWA (Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority), EPPO (European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organisation), ISTA (International Seed Testing Association) and ISHI (International Seed Health Initiative).

Increasingly more ELISA tests replaced by PCR tests

Naktuinbouw Testing & Analysis continues to develop new tests to improve our service and support for the sector. These tests support correctly diagnosing plants with symptoms and guaranteeing the absence of certain pathogens. In 2024, we gradually replaced the ELISA tests on plant material by PCR tests.

This change offers several benefits:

• PCR samples may consist of more leaves. The test can detect signs of infections at an early stage and latent infections.
• PCR tests also offer more options to apply automation and robotisation. This ensures a more stable capacity and shorter lead times.
• Sampling is easier thanks to a uniform testing method which does away with the need to take separate samples for different viruses.
• We can also respond more rapidly to the discovery of new pathogens.

Preparations started for new laboratory

Investments are necessary to respond to developments in the sector, the professional domain and in our organisation. In 2023, we specified our wishes for our laboratory facilities. Due to the extent of the investment, we must put the construction assignment out to tender at European level. In the summer of 2024, we started the tender process for the design of new buildings and extensions for our laboratories.

EPPO uses our knowledge of pathogens for project

In 2018, EPPO evaluated which pathogens comply with the requirements for an RNQP. ‘Regulated Non-Quarantine Pests’ are harmful organisms that are widely present in the EU and the obligation to eradicate the virus has been lifted. At the time, EPPO included all the Q organisms that occurred in the EU and the pathogens stated in the EU trade directives. The list of RNQPs included in the EU Plant Health Regulation is based on the EPPO evaluation.

This evaluation was not performed in full for fruit crops in 2018. All pathogens listed in the trade directive were automatically included as a RNQP in the EU Plant Health Regulation. As a result, they are regulated in accordance with the Plant Health Act and the trade directive. Whether a (large) number of these pathogens comply with the RNQP criteria in accordance with the provisions in the EU Plant Health Regulation is questionable. The European Commission took note of this and consequently requested EPPO to continue and complete the evaluation for fruit crops.

The assignment was to evaluate all RNQPs of fruit crops. The evaluation examined the criteria of an RNQP. As Naktuinbouw is the competent authority for the RNQPs, EPPO requested our contribution to the project. The RNQP list contains 154 pathogens for fruit crops. A limited number had already been assessed, part had been assessed by the Spanish IVIA (agricultural research institute) and Naktuinbouw assessed the remainder in 2024.

To perform the assessment, we collected the basic knowledge of the pathogens and assessed the correctness of that information. The result was the publication of 99 fact sheets on 260 pathogen/crop combinations in December. This forms an outstanding basis for EPPO to use in the evaluation.