The recent 2022 Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative (PBRI) Symposium in Adelaide attracted more than 100 pest and disease experts, researchers and growers from across Australia and overseas.
The two-day, biannual symposium showcased the latest research on combatting threats to Australian plants.
In May 2022, the PBRI hosted the event with the support of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Australia’s plant-industry Rural Research and Development Corporations (RDCs), and Plant Health Australia, bringing together the scientific community and key industry members. Delegates attended presentations focusing on many pests and diseases, with local researchers sharing new findings and breakthroughs, and overseas counterparts conveying valuable lessons learned elsewhere in the world.
The program included two keynote presentations. Ben Harris, Viticulture Manager Australia & New Zealand at Treasury Wine Estates, presented Biosecurity insights from the vineyard. Joel Willis, Principal Director — Detection Capability and Emerging Technology at the Biosecurity Operations Division of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, focused on Advances in technology for biosecurity risk detection.
Meanwhile, five speakers presented details of FWPA-funded research.
Dr Angus Carnegie, Principal Research Scientist at the NSW Department of Primary Industries, spoke about his research into social license as it relates to tree removal as a method of limiting the spread of exotic pests and diseases.
Carnegie noted many examples from around the world where adequate engagement wasn’t conducted with residents and stakeholders before tree removal took place, and discussed the need for more participatory processes to gauge acceptability of this practice in specific instances.
Dr Andy Howe of the University of the Sunshine Coast spoke about the high levels of damage caused by Gonipterus weevils in Australian eucalypt plantations, which many have attributed to a lack of natural local enemies. Consequently, efforts are underway to develop a framework for the discovery of effective biocontrol agents in the fight against this pest.
Meanwhile, Dr Helen Nahrung, of the University of the Sunshine Coast, described work around the criteria used in biosecurity risk assessments at Australian borders for the arrival, establishment, spread, and potential impact of pests and diseases.
Also in this space, Francisco (Paco) Tovar, of Plant Health Australia, outlined the National Forest Pest Surveillance Program, which will commence operation in 2022–23. This cross-sectoral partnership will see government, the forestry sector, and stakeholder community groups across Australia work together on the implantation of post-border surveillance, including expert-driven site monitoring and stakeholder surveillance in areas considered to be at high risk of exotic pest entry — commonly urban centres surrounding major ports and airports.
And Conrad Trollip, PhD candidate working with Agriculture Victoria, described his work exploring environmental DNA sampling of fungal pests in forest species as a more rapid method of detection when compared to current practices.
PBRI Program Director Dr Jo Luck said pests and diseases put Australia’s more than $33 billion plant industries at risk, including the forestry industry, which is thought to be worth approximately $9.2 billion.
“Having industries work together through platforms such as the PBRI is vital,” Dr Luck said.
“This event provided attendees with insight into the latest innovations to help limit the destruction of our crops, and support the longevity of Australian plant industries.”
More details on the symposium can be found by clicking here.
Along with the other plant-industry RDCs, FWPA formed the PBRI as a vehicle for collaboration in biosecurity research and development. As a result, MoUs have been established with several international biosecurity research groups, including New Zealand’s B3, Europe’s Euphresco, and Australia’s ACIAR.
