Thysanoptera Diagnostics Workshop

When: 11-15 February 2019

Where: University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland

This 5-day workshop is aimed to build base level and improve diagnostic capability for Thysanoptera. The course will include general presentations on biology, morphology, economic significance, biosecurity and higher classification of Thysanoptera. While the focus will be on groups of economic concern, the course will introduce participants to the main families and subfamilies of thrips. Using techniques of slide mounting and morphological diagnostics, it will include large portions of practical work on specimens of major groups provided and brought by participants, using reference specimens, other resources, and with assistance of trainers.

Presenters: Laurence Mound, Desley Tree, LiXin Eow (DEDJTR, Victoria), Luke Watson (DAWR), Cameron Brumley (DPIRD, WA) and Haidee Brown (DPI, NT)

Interested?

If you are interested in attending this workshop, please send an expression of interest to sphd@agriculture.gov.au.

The first round of applicants will be reviewed after 7 December 2018 and participants will be informed by COB 14 December 2018.

Applications will then remain open until 18 January 2019 for any remaining places.

There is no registration fee, however participants will need to cover their own travel, accommodation and living expenses. Participants from northern Australian jurisdictions (QDAF, DPIRD, NTDPIR, NAQS), or those who can demonstrate that their role relates to diagnostics in northern Australia are eligible for funding to assist with attendance under the Modern Diagnostics Project.

Applications are open to members of the National Plant Biosecurity Diagnostic Network (NPBDN). For information to join the network visit the website.

If you like further information, please contact Luke Watson on 03 8318 6995 or luke.watson@agriculture.gov.au