Abstract: Compositions and use of the compositions in methods of detecting SARS-CoV-2 in a sample is disclosed, using RT-LAMP coupled with CRISPR-Cas12, referred to herein as iSCAN (in vitro Scanning of COVID-19-Associated Nucleic acids) is disclosed. iSCAN provides a rapid, specific, accurate, sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 in a sample. The iSCAN is 1) rapid, as the RT-LAMP and CRISPR-Cas12/Cas 13 reaction takes less than 1 h; 2) specific, because detection depends on the identification and subsequent cleavage of SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequences by the Cas12 or 13 enzyme; 3) field-deployable, as only simple equipment is required; and 4) easy to use, as the colorimetric reaction coupled to lateral flow immunochromatography makes the assay results easy to assess. The methods include amplifying SARS-CoV-2 in a sample using RT-LAMP and using the RT-LAMP product as a substrate in a CRISPR-Cas12/13 reaction, incorporated with a means of detecting the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 RT-LAMP product.

Abstract: A genetically modified tobacco plant or tomato plant resistant to at least one pathogenic geminiviridae virus species is provided. The plant comprises a heterologous CRISPR/Cas9 system and at least one heterologous nucleotide sequence that is capable of hybridizing to a nucleotide sequence of the pathogenic virus and that directs inactivation of the pathogenic virus species or plurality of viral species by the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The heterologous nucleotide sequence can be complementary to, but not limited to an Intergenic Region (IR) of the Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV). Further provided are methods of generating a genetically modified plant that is resistant to a virus pathogen by a heterologous CRISPR/Cas9 system and expression of a gRNA specifically targeting the virus.

Abstract: A genetically modified tobacco plant or tomato plant resistant to at least one pathogenic geminiviridae virus species is provided. The plant comprises a heterologous CRISPR/Cas9 system and at least one heterologous nucleotide sequence that is capable of hybridizing to a nucleotide sequence of the pathogenic virus and that directs inactivation of the pathogenic virus species or plurality of viral species by the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The heterologous nucleotide sequence can be complementary to, but not limited to an Intergenic Region (IR) of the Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV). Further provided are methods of generating a genetically modified plant that is resistant to a virus pathogen by a heterologous CRISPR/Cas9 system and expression of a gRNA specifically targeting the virus.