AgVic assessed the coverage of the NPPPs in Australia’s plant pest reference collections. Critical gaps were identified where specimens are required for diagnosis, with work undertaken to fill these gaps. This project was funded by DAWE and facilitated by PHA (Shared from DAWE).
Specimens of some of the world’s most high-risk plant pests from around the globe will be added to Australia’s plant reference collections – giving diagnostic materials a boost.
“All the specimens are of pests on Australia’s National Priority Plant Pests list, which currently lists 42 exotic plant pests and pest groups,” says DAWE’s Head of Biosecurity Andrew Tongue.
The collection of plant pests is critical to Australian biosecurity knowledge and operations to assist us in combating biosecurity hazards.