CRISPR/Cas-based detection systems – emerging tools for plant pathology

Abstract Plant diseases pose a significant threat to global food security, causing substantial crop yield losses and economic damage. Traditional diagnostic methods often lack the speed, specificity, and sensitivity required for effective disease management. The emergence of CRISPR/Cas-based detection systems offers a novel and highly efficient approach for identifying plant pathogens. This review explores the principles of CRISPR/Cas technology, its adoption for pathogen detection, and its advantages over conventional diagnostic techniques. Recent advancements in CRISPR-based detection tools, including SHERLOCK, DETECTR, and other Cas-mediated platforms, and their potential for rapid, field-deployable diagnostics have been discussed. As these technologies continue to evolve, they hold promise for transforming plant disease diagnostics and enhancing global agricultural resilience.