G. C. Wisler, C. L. Harmon, A. C. Hodges Southern Plant Diagnostic Network University of Florida/IFAS Forensic Phytopathology and the SPDN

Five NPDN Regions A Partnership Between CSREES, APHIS, and LGU’s WPDN University of California, Davis GPPDN Kansas State University SPDN University of Florida NCPDN Michigan State University NEPEN Cornell University National Agricultural Pest Information System NAPIS, Purdue University NPDN Founded 6/2002 USDA/Homeland Security Selection by Internal CSREES Process

NPDN Mission Enhance national agricultural security by quickly detecting and identifying introduced pests and pathogens.

Success stories  Network/Communications  Training and Education  Diagnostics Southeast Farm Press Soybean rust article

Soybean Rust (SBR) Response  Saturday-Sunday: morphological confirmation by digital imaging (Nov 6-7)  Monday-Tuesday: molecular confirmation by PCR (Nov 8-9)  All states in the southern region: –Response plan –Participated in SBR exercise –First Detectors were trained –Communications worked! –Diagnosticians were trained

SBR Information Pathway APPLICATION OF AN EVENT-TRIGGER-RULE SYSTEM TO AGRICULTURAL HOMELAND SECURITY Degwekar, S. et al

Sudden Oak Death  6,848 samples processed as of last of September (more since then)  Facilitated obtaining permits for states  Identify surge capacity for states  Moved supplemental funds for reimbursement  National teleconference training for FD’s  Master Gardener training (USFS, IPM, NPDN)

Public Relations and First Detector Expanded Awareness Presentations August July 2004 Created by NAPIS

First Detector and First Detector Educator Training August July 2004 Created by NAPIS

SPDN Web Resources

First Detectors

SPDN Homoptera Workshop December 9-11, 2004 Addressed a definite need in the area of Insect Identification and Taxonomy! Insect Identification and Taxonomy!

Time for Reflection…  Most responsibilities on the diagnostician.  Credit for accomplishments  Team effort needed, including department chairs, state, federal, industry, and our Entomologists!  Minimum standards established for clinics

Areas for Improvement  Ralstonia solanacearum Race 3 biovar 2  Industry buy-in…training required  Get funds to states earlier…improved plan  Small increase in budget this year  State PDN?  Increase training efforts and diagnostics on a shoestring budget.

Thank You