Dr Bianca Rodrigues Jardim1, Harsh Garg1, Rachel Mann1, Lucy Tran-Nguyen1

1Plant Health Australia, Canberra, Australia

Biography:

Biography to come.

Abstract:

The top 42 National Priority Plant Pest (NPPP) list includes 25 invertebrate pests/pest groups as Australia’s largest plant biosecurity threats, nine of which are in the list’s top ten. Based on the threat that these invertebrates pose to the plant biosecurity system; it is important that Australia builds and maintains capability for early detection and accurate identification to support effective emergency incidence responses in a changing environment.

The Plant Surveillance Network Australasia-Pacific (PSNAP) and the National Plant Biosecurity Diagnostic Network (NPBDN) are expert networks established to strengthen Australia’s capability to detect, identify, and respond to plant pests that impact plant industries, the environment, and the community. PSNAP and NPBDN deliver capability building opportunities for priority plant pests, such as residential visits and workshops, and facilitate opportunities for members to connect and exchange knowledge with their peers in Australia and abroad. Eligible members include active plant pest diagnostic and surveillance practitioners working across the biosecurity continuum and at various stages of their career.

Recent PSNAP and NPBDN professional development activities have addressed several priority invertebrate plant pest groups including exotic cyst nematodes, Apis spp. internal/external mites, exotic Diptera species, exotic invasive snails, and Khapra beetle. Mechanisms were also developed to ensure that people from all career stages, backgrounds, and disciplines are regularly brought together to address Australia’s invertebrate surveillance and diagnostic capability gaps, now and into the future. Together, this work has demonstrated the importance of these networks and their members for a strong and coordinated Australian plant biosecurity system.