Diagnostic strategies in begomovirus detection from traditional assays to modern technologies

Begomoviruses have become a significant threat to agriculture due to the severe nature of diseases they cause in economically important crops, and resultant considerable losses in yield. Accurate detection of begomoviruses is crucial for the effective management and prevention strategies. This review discusses the evolution of begomovirus detection methods, their development, application, and limitations. Traditional molecular approaches include standard Polymerase Chain reaction (PCR) with universal primers and multiplex PCR, wherein different species can be differentiated precisely and comparatively. Serological methods such as enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblotting rely on the specificity of antibodies to identify specific species. Advancement in nanotechnology, especially functionalized gold nanoparticles, has improved the sensitivity and selectivity of detection capabilities including visual detection. Newage methods like in-field real-time Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) PCR, High throughput sequencing (HTS), deep learning and Artificial intelligence (AI) models, biosensors, and CRISPR/Cas12a-based molecular diagnostics allow rapid and accurate detection. , We further explore the possibility of integration of nanotechnology, next-generation sequencing, portable diagnostic equipment, and artificial intelligence which can enhance detection sensitivity, specificity, and speed. By taking advantage of these innovations, the effective monitoring and control of begomovirus infections can help mitigate losses and ensure sustainable agriculture in the future.