NPDN 2007 Meeting - The Northeast Plant Diagnostic Network; Partnering for Plant Protection.

NPDN National Meeting 2007

Poster Abstract

The Northeast Plant Diagnostic Network; Partnering for Plant Protection.

Authors: George W. Hudler, KAREN L. SNOVER-CLIFT, Karen A. Scott, Mary E. McKellar, Patricia A. Clement

Affiliations: NEPDN

The Northeast Plant Diagnostic Network (NEPDN) is comprised of specialists in the 12 state northeastern region of the U.S. Most states are represented by plant pathologists at their land grant universities, but the NEPDN also works closely with other state and federal agencies. Since 2002, NEPDN members have upgraded equipment and attended training sessions to learn state-of-the-art diagnostic procedures and acceptable communications packages. They have become a cohesive team capable of rapid response to a wide array of potential threats to Northeast agriculture. The Regional Center is at Cornell University. Staff coordinate training in diagnostic techniques and communications, conduct annual exercises to assure that members follow a proscribed protocol in case a suspect select agent is found, and collaborate with partners in other regions to develop modules for training “first-detectors.” They also maintain web sites for both regional and national audiences and they provide technical support to assure that communications within the Network are secure and seamless. Publication of a monthly newsletter used by all members of the National network also originates in the Northeast. Our first five years have allowed us to build a foundation from which we expect to play a vital role in protecting the Nation’s agriculture in the 21st century.

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