Loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for identification and detections of insects

Plant pathogens pose a significant threat to the food production sector and general plant health with insects representing a group of pests most gaining in importance because of increased trade and changing climatic conditions. To prevent their spread quarantine pests are regulated and monitored. However, a particular challenge is represented by detection and identification of insects. While there is great knowledge about morphological and morphometric identification of insects these approaches are often limited to adult specimens. Thus, they do not cover other, often more relevant developmental stages of insects. Therefore, there is a need to supplement morphological methods with molecular rapid tests which have the potential to support and speed up the diagnostic process independent of the developmental stage, vitality and intactness of the pests. Loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is one of the fastest and most robust molecular methods suitable for both, laboratory and on-site use. To investigate the practicality of the approach for a routine laboratory we have prepared a literature review of the currently described LAMP test for quarantine plant pests, including insects. The review identified the current limitations of LAMP in routine diagnostics of insects and can be used to identify priorities for future development of LAMP tests.