NPDN 2007 Meeting - The NPDN Diagnostics Subcommittee

NPDN National Meeting 2007

Poster Abstract

The NPDN Diagnostics Subcommittee

Authors: KAREN L. SNOVER-CLIFT

Affiliations: Northeast Plant Diagnostic Network

Established in January of 2003, the initial goals of the subcommittee were to coordinate websites, create a list-serve, create objectives, coordinate permit acquisition, compile lists of regional significant agents, create standard operating procedures (SOPs) and to coordinate select agent workshops. The committee has grown to include two representatives from each of the NPDN Regions plus industry and other organizations and disciplines. Each year the committee has continued to improve and add to the SOPs that first focused on the most pressing select agent pathogens. A true test of the network’s response occurred with the introduction of Ralstonia solanacearum R3 B2 in January 2, 2004. Significant events followed with the pathogens that cause Sudden Oak Death in March 2004 and Soybean Rust in November 2004. Monthly conference calls were established to coordinate our efforts. We have worked closely with the IT subcommittee and have participated in meetings focused on the National Repository data collection. We also worked with USDA collaborators to conduct an experiment designed to detect the presence of soybean rust and to work towards laboratory certification. The subcommittee has developed into a cohesive group that strives to keep all diagnosticians informed and prepared for introductions of hazardous pests and pathogens.

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