The 2019 AAFC-USDA meeting on genotyping and monitoring of high-risk plant pathogens

Citation

Nguyen HDT, Grunwald NJ, Abad ZG, Martin FN, Crouch J, Hambleton S, Dettman J, Liu M, Harris LJ, Castlebury L, Salagado-Salazar C, Cowger C, Ellouz O, Mollov D, Fall ML, Ling K, Griffifths J, Mahaffee W, Chen W, Sultata T, Yu Q, Carta LK, Skantar AM, Tambong J, Rogers E, Li S, Dumonceaux TJ, Widmer TL. The 2019 AAFC-USDA meeting on genotyping and monitoring of high-risk plant pathogens.

Abstract

Chief scientists from USDA and AAFC both agree that genotyping and monitoring of high-risk plant pathogens remains one of the five strategic priority areas for focused collaboration. Research scientists from both organizations met on August 3, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio to update an Action Plan from 2014. Many aspects around genotyping and monitoring of high-risk plant pathogens were discussed. It was agreed that high risk pathogens have certain common characteristics such as being seed-borne, soil-borne, hard to manage once established, and a potential major economic impact. Some specific high-risk pathogens proposed to study were carried over from the 2014 Action Plan. The researchers emphasized the need for better communication and resource sharing. A management driven project from both the USDA and AAFC would allow this team and network to really develop a collaborative effort with innovative results. In order to achieve its full potential, full support by the Chief Scientists from USDA and AAFC with dedicated research funds will be needed.