An effective framework for early warning and rapid response is crucial for the successful prevention and mitigation of the impact of biological invasions of tree pathogens. In this context, the IEFC and the Italian National Research Council are organising a demonstration workshop on the 28th of April in Pistoia (northern Italy) to present new prototypes for the prevention and detection of forest pathogens.

Researchers will present several tools, amongst which are the portable LAMP and a spore trap. The portable LAMP (Loop mediated isothermal amplification) is an early-warning tool for quarantine plant pathogen detection, which allows on-site rapid detection of pathogens and is very suited for use at ports of entry, or for monitoring and prevention of possible spreads of invasive pathogens in natural ecosystems or in tree nurseries. Additionally, the spore trap for aerobiological samples is used for the detection of many plant pathogens. 

Researchers will present the new tools directly in the field, hosted by the Giorgio Tesi group – a leading company in the production of ornamental plants, dimensions, and cultivated surfaces. Afterwards, they will collect feedback to better understand stakeholders’ expectations and, hopefully, improve the prototypes.

The workshop will be held in English and it should be of particular interest to nurseries, plant health authorities, plant importers, and scientific researchers.

To register, please fill in this short form. 

If you have any questions, you can contact Benoît de Guerry at b.deguerry@iefc.net.