Testing for viruses with Spark Radar detection kits: which test should you use?

Early detection of a virus helps you act quickly. With Spark Radar detection kits, you can test for viruses such as ToBRFV and cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) yourself, directly at your greenhouse. Which Radar detection kit you use depends on what you want to check: leaves, water, surfaces or seeds.

Jasper Verhoeven
ICM Advisor | September 14, 2026 | 3 min. read

Topics in this article

Why test for viruses at an early stage?
What are Spark Radar detection kits?
Which viruses can you test for?
Which Spark Radar detection kit should you use?
How do you use a Spark Radar detection kit?
Watch the how-to videos
What do the test results mean?
Frequently asked questions about Spark Radar detection kits

Why test for viruses at an early stage?

Viruses can spread quickly and are not always immediately visible in your crop. By testing at an early stage, you can find out sooner whether a virus has been detected and take action if necessary. This is important not only during the growing period, but also during crop rotation. By testing water and surfaces, you can check whether your cleaning and disinfection measures have worked before starting a new crop.

What are Spark Radar detection kits?

With Spark Radar detection kits, you can test for viruses yourself at your greenhouse. There is no need to send a sample to an external laboratory. Within a few hours, you know whether the virus being tested for has been detected in the sample. The tests use PCR technology, giving you reliable test results quickly.

To perform the test, you use the SparkRadar Hardware Kit together with the detection kit that matches what you want to test. This allows you to carry out preventive crop checks, test a suspicious plant or check during crop rotation whether cleaning and disinfection measures were effective.

Which viruses can you test for?

Currently, detection kits are available for tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) and cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV). In addition, new tests for other viruses are being developed. With these detection kits, you can test for these viruses in the crop, as well as in water, on surfaces and in seeds.

Which Spark Radar detection kit should you use?

Multi Leaf

Preventive crop monitoring
Up to 100 small leaf samples
For presymptomatic detection

Single Leaf

Targeted testing of a suspicious plant
One leaf sample

Water

Testing the water system for intact virus
For periodic checks or during crop rotation

Surface

Testing materials and surfaces for intact virus
For example, to check whether disinfection was carried out effectively

Seed

Testing seed for the presence of the virus

How do you use a Spark Radar detection kit?

A Radar detection kit is carried out in five simple steps. The test takes around 20 minutes of active time, but some steps include waiting periods. To use your time as efficiently as possible, you can therefore perform several tests at the same time.

The procedure differs depending on the detection kit. For example, taking a water sample is different from taking a leaf or surface sample. The steps for each test can be found in the corresponding protocol and how-to videos.

Below you can find five how-to videos showing how to use the differect detection kits. Turn on the subtitles for additional instructions and pause the video between steps so you can carry them out at your own pace. Always follow the protocol for the specific test carefully.

Watch the how-to videos

Multi Leaf detection kit

Single Leaf detection kit

Surface detection kit

Seed detection kit

Water detection kit

What do the test results mean?

After the test, check the sample tube to see whether the virus being tested for has been detected:

Liquid turns bright green: the virus being tested for has been detected.
Liquid does not change colour: the virus being tested for has not been detected.

With the Water and Surface detection kits, you specifically test for intact virus. With the Multi Leaf, Single Leaf and Seed detection kits, the result indicates whether virus material is present.

The result quickly tells you whether further action is needed. This could include additional monitoring, further testing or measures to prevent the virus from spreading within the greenhouse.

Frequently asked questions about Spark Radar detection kits

Wondering whether you can perform the tests yourself? How long the detection kits can be stored? Or what you should keep in mind when performing and assessing a test? Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions.

1. Can anyone perform a Radar detection test?
Yes. The tests are designed to be performed directly at your greenhouse, without the need for a laboratory or specific training. It is important to follow the steps carefully. Read the instructions beforehand or watch the corresponding how-to video.

2. Are the results of the Radar detection kits reliable?
The Radar detection kits are specific and reliable. The test includes a control that checks whether the virus you are testing for is actually being detected. This means you can rely on the test to specifically detect the virus you are testing for.

3. What is the difference between a Single Leaf and Multi Leaf test?
With the Multi Leaf test, you can test multiple plants at the same time for a specific virus. This test is intended for preventive and presymptomatic monitoring. The Single Leaf test is used when you have a suspicious plant and want to test one leaf sample specifically.

4. How long can the detection kits be stored?
After delivery, the detection kits can be stored in the refrigerator for four months. Once a test has been opened, it must be performed and completed within six hours.

5. What is the delivery time for Radar detection kits?
An order is shipped within five working days. The exact delivery time may vary depending on the pathogen. The tests are freshly produced in the laboratory.

Watch the full Q&A video for more information from Jasper Verhoeven and Rogier van der Voort: