10108503Isothermal Detection of Cryptic Thrips SpeciesClosedGrant for R&DInnovate UKThrips pose a significant threat to the UK's horticultural industry, particularly impacting high-value crops like strawberries, which contribute over £377 million to the economy annually. The economic toll of thrips on strawberry cultivation ranges from 10% to 15% (not including non-native invasive species), resulting in staggering financial losses of £37-56M per year. With economic losses exceeding £37M, the need for effective thrips management is critical. The primary culprit, Western flower thrips (_Frankliniella occidentalis_), has developed resistance to chemical pesticides, prompting a shift towards Integrated Pest Management (IPM) with a focus on biological control agents. However, non-native invasive species further threaten fruit production, e.g. Japanese flower thrips (_Thrips setosus_) and Chilli thrips (_Scirtothrips dorsalis_), as highlighted in a recent NIAB-led AHDB project SF 156\. In addition, the presence of other thrips species (e.g. Rose thrips, Rubus thrips, Onion thrips, and Flower thrips), is causing substantial damage but requiring different management approaches to WFT. Accurately identifying species in a mix of thrips is challenging due to their small size, small physical variations, and differences within the same species. The ability to identify current species and recognise invasive thrips in this mix is currently negligible. To address this challenge, our project aims to revolutionise thrips identification by developing rapid and accessible molecular detection tools. Leveraging sensitive molecular techniques and isothermal methods, will create in-field tests for thrips that do not require specialised skills for interpretation. By initially focusing on WFT as a proof of principle, we lay the foundation for a broader initiative aimed at identifying multiple species. Our objectives are to; 1) develop an in-field test for WFT that is user-friendly and rapid. This test will eliminate the need for specialised skills, allowing farmers and agronomists to make informed decisions on pest management strategies. 2) develop the data as a proof-of-principle for similar tests for native and non-native thrips species detection. This will serve as a critical step toward larger follow-on projects and industry collaborations addressing the diverse spectrum of strawberry thrips and enabling the detection of non-native thrips that could disrupt current thrips management strategies. Our project will provide a breakthrough in thrips management, enabling precise and timely interventions. This advancement will safeguard the economic interests of strawberry farmers and contribute to sustainable and responsible pest management practices in the UK horticultural sector.