Bananas are major staple in developing countries and the most eaten fruit in Europe. Global banana production is constrained by several diseases that are responsible for yield losses and low productivity of bananas and severely compromise food security. Particularly banana production is seriously threatened by four vascular diseases, Fusarium wilt disease of banana caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense (Foc), Moko and banana blood diseases, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum and R. syzygii subsp. celebesensis, respectively) and Xanthomonas wilt of banana caused by Xanthomonas vasicola pv. musacearum. Efficiency of surveillance and plant disease management requires the availability of Point of care (POC) diagnostics that can be operated directly on site. INDICANTS project focuses on (i) the development of a low-cost multi-pathogens LAMP (Loop-mediated isothermal amplification) detection kit, and its validation via an interlaboratory test and field surveys. (ii) the evaluation of an emergent technology (CRISPR/Cas12a) for the diagnosis of Foc. (iii) the test of an innovative microneedle patch for DNA extraction from plant. This project relies on a two-way transfer of knowledge and expertise between the applicant and Stellenbosch University: the applicant will access to areas where the diseases are present, will acquire through hands-on training and training-through-research, new expertise and skills in genetics/biotechnology, thereby strengthening the future career prospects. The partner organisation will gain experience and knowledge on bacterial banana diseases and LAMP method. Actions of protection and exploitation of the outputs will be set up, with the involvement of an industrial partner. Besides the scientific publications and conferences, the results will be disseminated to different audiences: the general public (website, press and TV), plant protection services (workshops) MSc students (lectures), schoolchildren (Platform visits).

In the face of mounting challenges posed by climate change and agroecological transitions, breeding programs in Africa are poised to play a pivotal role in ensuring food security and agricultural sustainability. To harness the full potential of these programs, the development of robust phenotyping resources and networks in Africa is a critical imperative. Drawing upon insights gained from European experiences and leveraging existing research activities, the EU-African Phenotyping Partnership for Innovation in Agriculture (EU-APPIA) project is an initiative with a multifaceted approach aimed at fostering sustainable crop breeding practices in Africa. EU-APPIA will serve as a catalyst for information exchange, bridging the gap between research institutions, plant breeding companies, and industry technology providers in the field of crop phenotyping. The EU-APPIA project encompasses four primary objectives: 1. Establishment of Best Practices: EU-APPIA seeks to create a thriving community of practice, fostering the exchange of knowledge and expertise between European and African stakeholders. This collaborative platform will facilitate the development and dissemination of best practices in phenotyping and environmental analysis, customized to address the unique challenges faced by African agricultural ecosystems. The emphasis will be on optimizing crop phenotyping methodologies to enhance the precision and efficiency of breeding programs. 2. Capacity developement: Recognizing the importance of human capital in agricultural innovation, EU-APPIA prioritizes the enhancement of learning, knowledge, and skills among researchers, with special attention given to empowering female and young researchers in Africa. Leveraging the experiences and insights of European partners, this initiative aims to fortify the research and innovation capacities of African institutions involved in crop phenotyping. By nurturing a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing, EU-APPIA seeks to ensure that African researchers are well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of sustainable agriculture. 3. International Collaboration: EU-APPIA recognizes the value of international cooperation in advancing agricultural research. The project will facilitate the exchange of researchers and students between European and African institutions, enabling a two-way flow of expertise and fostering cross-cultural learning. This collaborative spirit will contribute to the growth of research capacities in Africa, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to crop phenotyping. 4. Strengthening Euro-African Cooperation: EU-APPIA aims to strengthen the partnership between Europe and Africa in the realm of crop phenotyping. By engaging with existing plant phenotyping networks, private sector stakeholders, and advanced research institutes, EU-APPIA will assess the state-of-the-art approaches and technologies. The project will develop online learning tools, produce educational videos, organize capacity development workshops, and facilitate access to existing phenotyping platforms for training and research purposes. The project envisions the creation of a global network that actively promotes the development of high-throughput phenotyping methodologies and their practical implementation. Central to this endeavor is a commitment to end-user involvement and knowledge sharing, fostering collaboration and synergy between European and African partners.