News

Published article in Viruses journal characterising viral populations associated with cassava in Kenya. In this study, cassava samples obtained from major cassava growing regions in Kenya were analyzed by Illumina sequencing. Results identified the most abundant viruses and characterized their genome-wide variation, identified genetically stable and hypervariable areas, establishing the foundation to develop improved diagnostic tests, and have wider implications for breeding virus-resistant cassava.

This study establishes a practical framework for CRISPR-Cas13a diagnostics in plant pathology and provides a low-infrastructure strategy that could improve the speed and accuracy of fire blight surveillance and broader agricultural biosecurity efforts.

We are thrilled to announce the publication of a new National Diagnostic Protocol (NDP) for exotic leafhopper vectors of Australia’s number 1 National Priority Plant Pest, Xylella species.

A comprehensive 5 day workshop, Nematodes in cropping systems: identification & techniques 2027, is scheduled for February 2027 at the Australian National University in Canberra.

A new update to the National Diagnostic Protocol (NDP) for Australia’s number 1 National Priority Plant Pest, Xylella spp. has been endorsed. The NDP has been revised to include updated diagnostic methodologies to cover a broader range of species and sub-species.

A new article has been published in Australasian Plant Pathology in February 2026, regarding the development of new diagnostic assays for the eleven main viruses affecting garlic. The main objective of this study was to develop reverse transcription (RT)-PCR assays for each of the most common viruses associated with garlic.

Experts in plant pathology gathered in Sydney for the 25th Australasian Plant Pathology Society (APPS) Conference, held from 26–28 May 2025 at the International Convention Centre. Experts in plant pathology gathered in Sydney for the 25th Australasian Plant Pathology Society (APPS) Conference, held

This month we shine the spotlight on Nancy Cunningham, a Senior Entomologist at the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), part of Primary Industries and Regions, South Australia (PIRSA). This month we shine the spotlight on Nancy Cunningham, a Senior Entomologist at the South