QDETECT

Developing quarantine pest detection methods for use by national plant protection organizations (NPPO) and inspection services

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Detection methods are the first tools used by national plant protection organisations (NPPO) and inspection services in order to find incursions of quarantine plant pathogens or pests (Q-pests) across a border, a crucial step to implement Council Directive 2000/29/EC. This is often done visually in the first instance, with support from a laboratory for confirmatory testing and subsequent monitoring. Reliance on laboratory testing causes significant delays when action is only taken on the return of results from the laboratory to which the samples were sent. Thus, there is a real need for rapid, simple and robust detection methods that can be deployed by NPPOs in the field with inspection services to enable early detection of Q-pests. The Q-detect consortium aims to develop detection methods based on biochemical (detecting volatile organic compounds [VOC] and nucleic acid), acoustic (including resonance), remote imaging (incorporating spectral and automated data analysis) and pest trapping (insect pests and pathogen vectors) techniques. The careful selection of traded products (primarily potato and forestry/trees) ensures the methods will be developed on high priority targets for the EU such as the pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus), potato brown rot (Ralstonia solanacearum) and potato ring rot (Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. Sepedonicus), Asian longhorn beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) and a range of whitefly transmitted viruses. The diversity of targets enables the Q-detect consortium to work on suites of complementary techniques; this is of particular importance since the diverse range of targets listed in Directive 2000/29/EC means no single detection method will be suitable for all Q-pests. Critically, NPPOs and third country institutes are partners, which will enable testing, and validation of methods at real outbreak sites where these are absent in the EU. SME partners ensure access to technology and routes for exploitation after the project ends.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Researchers have developed and tested a number of real-time methods for detecting plant pathogens and pests at national border control points.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

National plant protection organisations are responsible for limiting incursions of pests and plant diseases across borders. However, border inspections are often done visually and are then further delayed by laboratory testing.

As such, the http://www.qdetect.org/0_home/index.php (QDETECT) project investigated robust real-time alternatives using biochemical, acoustic, remote-imaging and pest-trapping technologies.

Researchers developed a technique that can detect bacterial diseases based on volatile chemicals released by the pathogens. They also designed a laser-based instrument for this purpose, and compared several 'electronic nose' devices for specific pathogens.

In terms of acoustics, scientists used sensitive instruments, like a laser vibrometer, to record the vibrations emitted by pest species. Each species has a characteristic vibration pattern that can be used for its identification during border inspections.

Various trap designs, types of bait and trapping strategies were investigated for insects such as wood beetles and whiteflies, which transmit common plant viruses. A rapid DNA testing technique was developed for quick confirmation of species identity.

Lastly, QDETECT researchers designed software that can automatically identify diseased or healthy plants from footage captured by drones (unmanned aerial vehicles).

These and other new technologies will ensure that imported plants comply with national and regional plant health regulations. In addition, they will be useful in eradication and containment efforts that aim to minimise economic and environmental damage.