10164018A Multi-Species Thrips Surveillance Panel for Strawberries Using Flower-Wash eDNA and qPCRClosedSmall Business Research InitiativeInnovate UKThrips can damage fruit quality and reduce yields, particularly in integrated pest management (IPM) and organic farming systems where pesticide use is limited. Current monitoring methods rely heavily on visual inspection and trapping, which are time-consuming, labour-intensive, and often miss early infestations. To address this challenge, the project will create a rapid molecular test panel capable of accurately identifying multiple species of thrips at low thresholds before damage to crops and infestations becomes apparent. Building on previous work that successfully developed a test for Western Flower Thrips (_Frankliniella occidentalis_), this project will expand the panel to include three additional thrips species of concern to strawberry crops. These are Rose thrips _(Thrips fuscipennis)_, Onion thrips (_Thrips tabaci_), and Flower thrips (_Frankliniella intonsa_). This "thrips panel" will use quantitative PCR (qPCR), a highly sensitive method that can detect low levels of DNA from pests to identify the thrips present in crops. Additionally, we will simplify the acquisition of samples for analysis of thrips presence. This will be achieved by developing a method that utilises environmental DNA (eDNA). Environmental DNA, also known as eDNA, is the genetic material left behind by organisms in their environment, such as in water, soil, or on the surfaces of plants. For this project, we will target flower washes for the acquisition of thrips DNA. This method is more scalable than examining individual thrips and flower samples for the presence of thrips or damage. Together, these two innovations, the expanded qPCR panel and the eDNA flower-wash protocol, will be integrated and validated under laboratory conditions that mimic field conditions. Niab, a UK research organisation with expertise in molecular diagnostics, entomology, and plant health, will conduct this research. The team will design and validate the thrips panel in the laboratory and test its performance under controlled growing conditions, aiming to demonstrate readiness for use by industry (growers and agronomists). This diagnostic tool has the potential to transform how soft fruit pests are monitored. It offers a scalable alternative to manual scouting, supporting more precise and timely pest control decisions. By enhancing early detection, the tool could reduce crop damage, limit pesticide use, and contribute to more sustainable and resilient strawberry production in the UK. The project aligns with Defra's goals to enhance plant health, strengthen biosecurity, and support the commercial development of innovative diagnostics for regulated and emerging pest threats.