The National Plant Biosecurity Diagnostic Network (NPBDN) successfully hosted its virtual Annual Diagnostics Workshop (vADW) for 2024-25 on Wednesday, November 13, attracting a diverse group of expert speakers from Australia, Europe, and the United Kingdom.
Australian insights on tobamoviruses
Dr Fiona Constable, Chair of the High Throughput Sequencing Working Group (HTSWG) within the Subcommittee of Plant Health Diagnostics (SPHD), kicked off the webinar by providing updates on the HTSWG’s progress in establishing high-throughput sequencing (HTS) standards, a crucial element of plant health diagnostics in both Australia and New Zealand. She highlighted the importance of standardizing HTS protocols to ensure accurate and efficient detection of plant pathogens. Dr. Constable also emphasized the need for collaboration between diagnostic laboratories and research institutions to advance the field of plant health diagnostics.
Dr Constable delivered a comprehensive overview of tobamoviruses, which have been present for an estimated 110 million years. In Australia, only one native tobamovirus, the yellow tailflower mild mottle virus, has been found in wild Solanaceae, while nine naturalized species, including the tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), have been detected. To prevent tobamovirus incursions, Australia has implemented rigorous Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae seed testing programs, primarily in Victoria and New South Wales. Dr. Constable stressed the importance of these programs in protecting Australia’s plant health and preventing the introduction of exotic pathogens.
Dr Constable also highlighted the critical role of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) in standardizing virus classification. ICTV guidelines ensure that virus names are globally consistent, which is essential for regulatory, clinical, and agricultural applications. By adopting ICTV guidelines, researchers and diagnosticians can ensure that their findings are accurately communicated and widely accepted.
ToBRFV’s spread in Europe
Prof Rene van der Vlugt from Wageningen University and Research presented an update on the impact of the Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) across Europe. First detected in Jordan and Israel around 2014-15, ToBRFV has spread rapidly throughout Europe, infecting tomatoes, capsicums, and eggplants, as well as some weed species. Prof. van der Vlugt emphasized the challenges of detecting ToBRFV, particularly in mixed infections with other viruses, such as pepino mosaic virus (PepMV). He noted that ToBRFV eradication is no longer feasible in some European regions, and efforts now focus on containment through clean planting materials and routine testing.
UK containment strategies
Dr Adrian Fox from Fera Science in the United Kingdom outlined the challenges of containing ToBRFV in the UK. Since 2018, the UK has implemented protocols to manage ToBRFV, including strict hygiene practices and surveillance programs. However, the virus’s resilience and ability to survive on surfaces for extended periods – up to two hours on skin and six months on hard materials – complicate eradication efforts. Dr. Fox emphasized the need for continued vigilance and rigorous biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of ToBRFV.
Innovative student research
Two PhD students from La Trobe University, Gopi Koladiya and Kamalpreet Kaur, presented innovative diagnostic methods:
- Gopi Koladiya developed a dissolving microneedle patch for rapid nucleic acid extraction in strawberries, aiming to simplify virus detection and improve diagnostic efficiency.
- Kamalpreet Kaur shared research on grapevine virus diagnostics, including the grapevine Pinot gris virus (GPGV) and grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV), highlighting the need for improved diagnostics to support Australia’s grape industry.
This was the first of four webinars in the series, which will run until April 2025, providing a platform for experts to share knowledge and advances in plant health diagnostics.
NPBDN membership benefits
The vADW series is exclusive to NPBDN members, who enjoy a range of benefits, including:
- access to training workshops and proficiency testing, enabling members to enhance their skills and knowledge in plant health diagnostics.
- contributions to National Diagnostic Protocols, providing members with the opportunity to shape the future of plant health diagnostics in Australia.
- networking opportunities with plant diagnosticians across Australia, facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- travel funding for NPBDN-exclusive workshops, enabling members to participate in cutting-edge training and professional development opportunities.
- access to the NPBDN member portal, featuring a wealth of diagnostic resources, including protocols, guidelines, and best practices.
Membership is open to professionals in government, research, industry, and museum-based laboratories. Join NPBDN today to become part of Australia’s vital plant health network and contribute to the advancement of plant health diagnostics.
Join the network and be part of the NPBDN community, working together to protect Australia’s plant health and promote innovation in plant health diagnostics.
