CRCNPB Project Summary

Transcription

1 CRCNPB Project Summary Project # Project Title Early Warning Threat Identification Enhanced risk analysis tools Comparison of Quarantine Risk Analysis systems Project Leader/Supervisor Program Dr David Cook 1 Dr David Cook 1 Prof Kerrie Mengersen Climate change Dr Jo Luck Surveillance Simulation platform Forecasting spread for rapid response Six degrees of preparation Communicating uncertainties in biosecurity adaption (CUBA) Phylogeny, pathogenicity and epidemiology of PSTVd Using likelihood of arrival and establishment to assess the world threat of invasive species Climate change and pest risk analysis Prof Mark Reynolds 1 Dr Michael Renton 1 Dr Dean Paini 1 Dr David Cook 1 W/Prof Martin Barbetti 1 Dr Dean Paini 1 Dr Kyla Finlay 1 Summary This project explored the potential to use Self Organising Map (SOM) predictions of high-risk invasive species that could potentially affect Australian plant industries. This research showed that multi-criteria decision analysis is an effective vehicle for the communication of results of economic analyses, technical scientific information and personal experiences to groups of decision-makers. The project gathered and collated information from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, USA, UK, Chile and Thailand to develop a methodology to analyse biosecurity risks more effectively, and to provide a higher level of confidence to Australia's quarantine risk assessment system. This project identified the potential risks associated with climate change and plant biosecurity. Adaptation plans were developed around these risks to inform industry practice and policy. The aim of this project was to produce a simulation platform to estimate rates and patterns of spread of plant diseases and pests and the time-changing extent over the landscape. The overall aim of this project was to develop a characterisation and modelling system that allows all available scientific information that will influence the rate of build-up and spread of an organism to be quickly and effectively synthesised to inform rapid response to a new biological incursion. Models developed in this project, which enable the analysis of complex shipping networks, provide a significant step forward in the risk profiling of incoming ships to Australian ports. These models enable the identification of pathways of greatest threat from invasive species as well as those Australian ports most likely to receive these invasive species. The project successfully demonstrated the potential for maps-based incursion models to be used to communicate complex suites of information to industry and government stakeholders. It also demonstrated the explanatory power of more traditional, statistics-based economic impact assessments in communicating the potential significance of EPPs over long periods of time (e.g. 0-0 years). This project determined the extent of Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) in solanaceous and non-solanaceous weeds in Western Australia; defined the genetic relationships between the strains of PSTVd that occur in Australia; demonstrated how this pathogen is able to survive and spread on contaminated surfaces; identified effective disinfectants; and has provided key information to allow instigation of appropriate quarantine and management protocols to prevent its further importation into and spread within Australia. The aim of this project was to combine arrival likelihood with establishment likelihood to generate the invasion threat to Australia for 1,8 invasive fungal pathogens and insect pests, from all countries of the world. This project was developed to create a template to guide pest risk assessors through the steps to identify necessary adjustments to Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) to take account of climate change. 000 Karnal bunt detection Dr Mui-Keng Tan This project developed an accurate, reliable and internationally recognised DNA-based protocol

2 00 Remote microscopes Dr John La Salle Nanobead diagnostic platform Detection of Phytophthora Ramorum Dr Andrew Geering Assoc Prof Giles Hardy 00 Plant bacteria platforms Dr Deb Hailstones 00 DNA Databank Dr Andrew Geering 00 Phosphine resistance - proteomics Phosphine resistance molecular 0081 Biosensor-based detection of grain pests 009 Increasing diagnostic capacity in Thailand 011 Aphid diagnostics training 011 Resolving the Bactrocera dorsalis complex Mr Peter Campbell Dr David Schlipalius Dr Alisha Anderson Dr Gary Kong Ms Glynn Maynard Dr Tony Clarke to detect Karnal bunt. The methodology was validated by laboratories in Australia and overseas and the resulting Diagnostic Protocol was endorsed by the Subcommittee on Plant Health Diagnostic Standards and the Plant Health Committee. Previously, biological specimens requiring identification were mailed to taxonomic experts for determination. This may take several days and delay diagnosis and any response to deal with potential incursions. Through a web-based remote microscope system, this project improved the responsiveness to potential incursions by reducing delays in diagnosis, particularly in remote areas. In this project, the OptoPlex TM system was evaluated for the detection of plant pathogens. The OptoPlex TM system is based on novel, optically-encoded ceramic beads, which can be attached to different types of diagnostic probe. The OptoPlex TM system is a new diagnostic system that has been developed in Australia but as yet, is not commercially available. This project developed a diagnostic testing protocol for Phytophthora ramorum and Phytophthora kernoviae that can be used on a wide range of asymptomatic host nursery stock material to confirm that the material is not infected with these pathogens. This project demonstrated the effectiveness of proteomics and metabolomics, two novel approaches that identify functional molecules, to discover biomarkers that differentiate closely related bacteria. The major outcome of this project was the development of the Biosecurity Bank, a national reference collection of DNA samples from plant pathogens. Phosphine is the main fumigant used in Australia to control insect pests in grain storages; both bulk grain handlers and farmers rely on phosphine for the control of insects and more than 80% of grain is fumigated with phosphine during storage. However, insect resistance to phosphine is increasing in most grain growing areas. To manage this resistance, a rapid and sensitive method for identifying phosphine resistance is required. This project aimed to identify the genes encoding those differing proteins as a first step towards developing a diagnostic tool. This project aimed to provide rapid identification of the phosphine resistance status of any individual R. dominica or T. castaneum collected from grain in storage across Australia. The resistance genes that are directly responsible for phosphine resistance in these insects were identified and used as indicators of resistance status. There is a need to develop technologies that can be used to rapidly detect and quantify pest infestations in bulk grain to assist in the management of these biosecurity threats. This project identified and characterised pheromone receptors in the genome of Tribolium castaneum, a common insect pest of stored grain. This project designed training activities and implemented a workshop program to improve the capability and capacity of plant pest diagnostics in Thailand. The program focussed on current technologies to provide Thailand with fundamental systems and processes that will provide greater efficiencies in diagnostics and which can be expanded across the Thai Plant Health system. This project developed a framework to formalise and improve Australia s plant health diagnostic capability. Intensive training was provided via a series of residential workshops, each focussing on a different taxonomic group and with to trainees. This project studied the species limits of four sibling pest species within the Bactrocera dorsalis complex of tropical fruit flies, B. dorsalis, B. papayae, B. philippinensis and B. carambolae. These flies are internationally important pests of tropical fruits and vegetables. 01 Khapra Beetle Dr John Botha The Khapra beetle diagnostics project conducted research and other activities to better

3 Diagnostics 018 Bactrocera Resolution Dr Tony Clarke 01 National Diagnostic Database Grains surveillance strategy PDA-assisted surveillance (Phase 1) Hyperspectral pathogen detection Female lures: fruit fly trappig Smart trap scoping study Dr Gary Kong Dr Sharyn Taylor Mr Robert Emery Ms Alison Mackie Dr Katina Lindhout Dr Louise Morin 00 Flying spore traps Dr Felipe Gonzalez 009 Fruit fly area freedom Dr Francis De Lima 00 AIMS Mr Robert Emery Resistance management of stored grain insects in the 00 southern region Dr Joanne Holloway Resistance monitoring and management of stored grain insects in 00 the northern region Dr Manoj Nayak understand and improve on the diagnostics of khapra beetle, and relatives, in Australia. Tis project provided additional funding to CRC011 to undertake an additional line of enquiry to strengthen the conclusions of CRC011. This project developed a mix of digital technologies designed to provide the building blocks of future diagnostic information systems. The Plant Biosecurity Toolbox and the Biosecurity Bank are web-based tools which provide users with specific diagnostic information to assist them identify the plant pest or disease. The Plant Biosecurity Toolbox can be accessed through PaDIL. In addition, a Remote Microscope Network allows species experts to view and identify specimens in real time via a microscope and internet connection. This project was undertaken to build on the outcomes achieved in the previous project including review of the Grains Industry Biosecurity Plan, ensuring that the level of biosecurity preparedness of the Australian grains industry was raised. This project focused on the development of pest surveillance data collection software and hardware using hand-held computers or PDAs. This approach provides chain of evidence control, increases the volume of data collected as well as its integrity through relational databases and seamless data transfer to corporate systems. The findings in the project sustain the notion that hyperspectral imaging can be used to recover reflectance measurements that may be specific for each plant-pathogen interaction and can act as a disease signature. This can potentially assist greatly in the ease of diagnosis and quantification of incidence during surveillance. This project developed female fruit fly lures to improve pest surveillance technology. These will aid in the detection and control of fruit fly species not attracted to the currently deployed male lures and will enhance surveillance capability for exotic fruit fly species. This project undertook a scoping study to assess the suitability of digital shape and pattern recognition techniques to differentiate different, but related insect species, with the overall goal of eventually developing an automatic detection system for Emergency Plant Pests (EPPs) to be deployed into traps. This project was a scoping study to determine the potential of using an unmanned aerial vehicle, fitted with a spore trap, to detect and monitor spores of plant pathogens. This project developed a science based rationale that will optimise trap placement for the detection of fruit fly. The strategy deploys traps in hosts at the time when they are most attractive to fruit flies, with the aim of gaining in efficiency in early detection of the incursive population. This project developed a rapid and customised set of specific terms (pest organisms and commodity items) which can be searched for by an internet web crawler. Using these terms, the web search would potentially detect organisations which would intend to market via the internet, regulated organisms and commodities (invasive species) which are prohibited entry to Australia owing to the threats they present to Australia s plant health generally, while of specific concern to Australia s commercial plant-based industries. This project discovered that resistance in grain storage insects to chemical treatments continues to be a problem throughout the southern region. Regional surveys detected new sites of strong phosphine resistance, with only a few recurrences at previous sites (generally central storages). This project aimed to prevent the development and spread of resistance to phosphine and grain protectants in major insect pests of stored grain. The resistant biotypes of these pests are major EPPs that threaten the profitability and sustainability of the Australian grain industry.

4 008 Stored grains sampling strategies Dr Grant Hamilton 01 Urban surveillance Mr Greg Hood 000 Rice blast Dr Ric Cother 000 Russian wheat aphid Dr Owain Edwards Pathogen eradication strategies (Phase 1) Insect eradication (Phase 1) Risk management processes for the movement of samples during an EPP incursion A community based model to manage emergency plant pests Post Entry Quarantine (Phase One) Dr Mark Sosnowski Mr Bill Woods Dr Alan McKay Prof Ian Falk Dr Brendan Rodoni 0088 Pre-harvest fruit fly Dr Anthony Clarke 011 Biosecure packaging Ms Barbara Hall 01 Insect eradication (Phase ) Mr Bill Woods This project developed flexible and statistically robust systems to calibrate and improve sampling strategies where required for the detection of post-harvest grain storage pests, and for demonstrating the absence of EPPs that could impact on market access. This project looked at the contribution that passive and targeted (or active) surveillance can make to the on-ground management of Emergency Plant Pests (EPPs). EPPs can become established in urban areas and spread to nearby horticultural or agricultural districts. Surveillance for EPPs in urban areas is an important element of any system that aims to prevent the establishment of pests in rural and agricultural areas. Rice blast, caused by Magnaporthe grisea, is generally considered the most important disease of rice worldwide because of its extensive distribution and destructiveness under favourable conditions. This project conducted surveys in the flood plains of the Adelaide and Alligator Rivers to collect disease lesions on leaves of wild rice to be treated by standard plant pathology methods to isolate causal organisms on agar for later identification. This project aimed to improve the level of preparedness for, and the sustainable resistance to, the Russian wheat aphid. It also assisted Australia's grain industry to remain free of Russian wheat aphids. This project provided alternative eradication strategies for emergency plant pest incursions on perennial crops. It will reduce economic costs and social impact from emergency plant pest eradication measures. The viticulture industry has been selected as an initial pilot with a focus on developing alternative pruning techniques to remove the emergency plant pest but allow enough residual plant material to ensure rapid grapevine regeneration. Eradication of arthropod EPP incursions has often relied on destructive technologies such as crop removal and broad spectrum pesticide application. Alternative strategies needed to be developed and validated that met eradication goals while minimising economic and social impact. The objective of this project was to review the process of moving emergency plant pest (EPP) samples during incursion, determine critical control points to manage risks and make recommendations for R&D. This project developed new policies and strategies to improve the management of emergency plant pest incursions. It will increase community and indigenous participation to identify, prevent and manage emergency plant pest incursions, particularly in Australia's northern border regions. The vision of the CRCNPB post-entry quarantine (PEQ) project was to develop advanced molecular diagnostic methods for the detection of plant viruses that can be expediently applied in both a PEQ (import) and a market access (export) context. This project focused on strategic ecological and behavioural research on the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni, to underpin the development of new market access approaches. The research makes recommendations on the use and likely effectiveness of protein bait sprays and general foraging behaviour of the fly. This project was developed from a recommendation of CRC00 (Risk management processes for the movement of samples during an Emergency Plant Pest (EPP) incursion), to develop practical packaging standards to enable the safe, swift and legal transport of plant, soil and insect samples nationally and internationally. This project showed that eradication of pest incursions and maintaining area freedom from key pests becomes more important when the mere presence of the pest and the use of pesticides for its control may impact negatively on market access. Eradication will only be

5 019 Pathogen eradication strategies (Phase ) Dr Mark Sosnowski 01 Airport forensics Ms Dominie Wright SPHDS ratification of protocol for potyviruses Australian eradication database Dr Brendan Rodoni Dr Bill Woods 009 Fumigation Technology Mr James Darby 000 Cool Grain Fumigation Dr Greg Daglish 0089 Grain insect ecology Dr Greg Daglish Ensuring effective phosohone application Alternatives to phoshone review Mr Greg Hopkins Dr Patrick Collins feasible if it is economically, environmentally and sociologically sustainable especially if the incursion occurs in urban areas or the surrounding peri-urban zone where farming, hobby farms, recreation, and housing all coalesce. This project demonstrated that we can non-destructively eradicate a pathogen from a perennial plant crop. Eradication of pathogen incursions is very important for the protection of plant industries, managed gardens and natural environments. The consequence of an introduced pathogen becoming endemic can be serious, in some cases impacting on the national economy. This project developed a forensic kit that can be used by field staff and international travellers for testing their clothing for the presence of fungal spores. The protocol developed for processing the kit has a > 8% extraction efficiency rate. CRC01 developed a diagnostic protocol to detect at least 0 known and unknown potyvirus species (Zheng et al., 010). The potyviruses are one of the most economically important plant virus groups with a wide geographical distribution and include several pathogens that are listed as biosecurity risks to Australian agricultural industries. This is the first protocol for the detection of a group of target organisms (e.g. potyviruses) to be ratified by SPHDS and will be used at the border to test material for both known and unknown potyviruses. The aim of the project was to investigate the integration of innovative eradication technologies against LBAM as a model for the development of eradication strategies against other exotic moth pests. The main objective was the integration of the sterile insect technique and mating disruption using novel pheromone distribution technologies such as mobile mating disruption and SPLAT TM in urban areas and vineyards. This project aimed at quantifying the efficacy of fumigant doses as applied in Australia; and for phosphine, how different doses may select for resistance. It encompassed modelling the interrelated factors affecting fumigant doses within fan-forced fumigated grain stores (mortality, distribution, sorption, leakage) and analysed performance under various practical scenarios. This project assessed the efficacy of phosphine fumigation against resistant insects in cool grain, i.e. aerated grain or grain that has been harvested and stored in the cooler months of the year, and developed recommendations for Australia s grain storage industry. Effective resistance management relies on an understanding of the basic ecology of insect pests. Questions such as where they breed, how far they fly and whether there are refuges of susceptible beetles need to be answered. The project targeted two major pests, the lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica) and the rust-red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum). This project has expanded the traditional focus from grain in storage to include the general farm and native vegetation environments. This approach is yielding new and valuable information. Australia s grain industry is heavily dependent on the fumigant phosphine, which is under threat due to increased insect resistance. This project identified the modes of phosphine distribution involved in bunker grain stores and the key role of grain cooling in non-summer months on disinfestation and resistance selection outcomes. This project reviewed potential chemical and non-chemical treatments for control of insect pests of stored grain for their suitability to and likely adoption by the grain industry. The success of Australia s $ billion grain industry depends on the maintenance of high standard in its post-harvest produce through effective pest management. The CRCNPBsupported FGB fumigation protocol development project has delivered two new fumigation protocols that can control highly resistant Flat Grain Beetle populations. Fumigation protocols 0098 for flat grain beetles Dr Manoj Nayak 011 Ressitance monitoring Dr Manoj Nayak This project has demonstrated that a national resistance monitoring program can contribute

6 01 (Phase 1) Low oxygen technology for alternative to phosphine Dr YongLin Ren 019 Insect ecology phase Dr Greg Daglish 010 Grain insect genomics Dr David Schlipalius Resistance monitoring (Phase ) Capacity building and stored grain research Development of Sulfuryl flouride as an alternative fumigant to control phosphineresistant pests Ecology of stored grain beetles in Australia Dr Manoj Nayak Dr YongLin Ren Dr Manoj Nayak Dr Wee Tek Tay 01 Aeration innovation Dr Phillip Burrill Australian grain insect resistance database Dispersal and resource use by the lesser grain borer in southern NSW Dr Patrick Collins Dr Mark Stevens 000 Lettuce Aphids - Craig Feutrill Ascochyta wind tunnel Steven Coventry Terrestrial Observation Predictive Systems John Weiss significantly to resistance management by providing industry with both strategic and tactical information on the frequency, distribution and strength of resistance. This project developed cost-effective, readily adoptable alternatives to a phosphine fumigant that will control resistant insects and comply with industry and market standards. The main aim of the project was to determine the level of genetic and demographic connectedness among populations of pests in grain storages and in the surrounding landscape, and to study the biological and human drivers contributing to this level of connectedness, and how this influences selection for phosphine resistance. This project ensured the positive identification of phosphine resistance genes to ensure viable markers for characterising resistance. This project developed cost-effective, readily adoptable alternatives to a phosphine fumigant that will control resistant insects and comply with industry and market standards. The research has led to development of cost-effective, readily adoptable phosphine alternatives that will control resistant insects and comply with industry and market standards which significantly contribute to further enhance Australian grain industry reputation in both domestic and international markets. This project focussed on capacity building and stored grain research. Phosphine continues to be the fumigant of choice for the grain industry in Australia and most countries in the world for disinfestation of stored grain due to its many distinct advantages over alternatives. This project was initiated to address the industry priority of managing this strong resistance to phosphine through development of an alternative fumigant. Outputs from this study will provide snapshots on species composition complexity within grain storage systems, and will benefit extension specialists when providing advice to grain growers on alternative pest management techniques and methods that are complementary to the use of phosphine, thereby prolonging the effectiveness and usefulness of phosphine in the control of stored grain beetle pests. The project developed for the first time, a low technology method to accurately measure in situ airflow rates in farm-scale grain storages. On-farm trials determined that effective aeration cooling cannot be achieved with standard fan technology generally available to producers. The aim of this pilot project was to analyse a limited set of the data from the Australian Grain Insect Resistance Database (AGIRD). The set chosen was detections of strong resistance to phosphine in all pest species over a 0 year period in Queensland. This project examined various aspects of the biology and ecology of the lesser grain borer (LGB), Rhyzopertha dominica, a key pest of stored grain that is rapidly developing resistance to the fumigant phosphine. This project contributed to the strategic direction of the CRCNPB by undertaking research that seeks to fill critical gaps in the knowledge of the ecology and epidemiology of emergency plant pests that underpins decision making in biosecurity. This project developed an understanding of how biotic factors affect the dispersal of rainsplashed asexual spores (conidia) and wind-borne sexual spores (ascospores). This project enhanced the capacity of Australia's plant industries to respond to future EPP incursions by providing comprehensive and relevant real time' terrestrial data.

7 OrdGuard Community Engagement - Detection in pathogen nixtures - Hosts of phytophthora ramorum - Bayesian surveillance systems - Fire Blight diagnostics - Epiphyas Revision - Paul Royce Bonny Vogelzang Kylie Ireland Mark Stanaway Rachel Powney Bobbie Hitchcock 000 Luteovirus - Mai Hlaing Loh Surveillance systems analysis - Nematode taxonomy - Nichole Hammond Matthew Tan 00 Khapra Beetle - Mark Castalanelli A national postgraduate curriculum for 00 plant biosecurity Dr Kirsty Bayliss This project aimed to provide greater regional community engagement in plant biosecurity. The success of industry biosecurity is dependent on the engagement of not only industry representatives but also the entire community. Regional areas of Australia are particularly vulnerable if sectors of the community do not appreciate and engage in plant biosecurity. The development of tools for pathogen recognition enabling rapid response has been listed as one of the top issues to improve Australia's preparedness to deal with emerging disease threats. This project developed tools for plant pathogen recognition to support rapid response to disease threats. There are many Australian plant industries and ecosystems where climatic conditions are similar to that found in the USA and Europe which support Phytophthora ramorum disease development. If introduced into Australia, this pathogen has the potential to have a significant impact on the nursery, horticulture and forestry industries, and become a major ecological threat in areas with susceptible hosts and conducive climates. To prevent the introduction of P. ramorum into Australia, the potential host range and their role in transmission of the disease needs to be understood. This project assessed the statistical and modelling tools available to evaluate surveillance systems and developed a surveillance system evaluation methodology to measure the effectiveness of early warning, area freedom and response surveillance. The project determined the sensitivity of surveillance systems to detection sensitivity, risk area analysis and uncertain epidemiological characteristics of spread and reproduction to optimise surveillance systems by using epidemiological knowledge. This project aimed to address the problems associated with the reliability of Erwinia amylovora (fire blight) - specific diagnostics by taking intra-species and inter-species genetic diversity into consideration when identifying molecular diagnostic targets and developing tests for use in a quarantine situation. This project developed tools to reliably identify the economically important Epiphyas species, at any life stage. This project has increased the understanding of the Luteoviruses that threaten the Australian pulse industry and provide improved tools to pulse breeders for the generation of robust resistance traits in new breeding lines. This project evaluated current surveillance systems for EPPs using Bayesian statistical methods and identified other sources of data that could be used to complement existing surveillance programs. It also evaluated specific surveillance methods and tests such as visual inspection by field and quality assurance staff and diagnostic tests used in the identification of plant pathogens. This project addressed the need to have improved technologies available to detect, identify and eliminate exotic plant parasitic nematodes. Better diagnostics enable potential new incursions to be detected and controlled. A thorough knowledge of nematode issues will also promote Australian trade and market access through high quality evidence-based support of phytosanitary issues and regulations. This project was created as there was a need to develop simple and accurate diagnostics to rapidly distinguish Khapra beetle from its close relatives. The aim of this project was to enhance the capacity to effectively and efficiently identify this species, especially in identifying the highly problematic and particularly difficult larval stages. In order to ensure the next generation of plant biosecurity researchers are fully equipped to respond in an appropriate and timely manner to biosecurity issues in the agricultural sector, this project has developed a national postgraduate curriculum in plant biosecurity.

8 000 Tomato Leaf curl-nano - Sharon van Brunschot 00 Smut fungi - Alastair McTaggart 00 NICTA smart trap - Pattaraporn Khuwuthyakorn 00 Spore modelling - David Savage 009 Fusarium TR - Rachel Meldrum Indo Citrus Greening I Wayan Mudita 010 Nano Banana - Jenny Vo South African Citrus Thrips in Queensland Brian Garms 0109 Fruit fly host use Russian wheat aphid - Glassy-winged sharpshooter - Assessment of the toxicity of reduced risk insecticides (Hons) Genetic resistance in stored-grain beetles (Hons) Grain storage and biosecurity training Modelling grain borer - Sakuntala Muthuthantri Bo Zhang Anna Rathe Jessica Harrison Kym Lilford Assoc Prof John Kent Dr Mingren Shi This research provided new knowledge on the biological characteristics, epidemiology and management of begomovirus and pospiviroid diseases in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). In addition, novel techniques and strategies for the multiplexed, hierarchical detection and diagnosis of plant viruses, their vectors and viroids were developed for the improvement detection and management of these pathogens. This project discovered whether Australian smuts represent a monophyletic group and what ecological factors shaped the diversity of smut fungi in Australia. It also researched whether the evolution of host plants drove the evolution of the smut fungi. The main goal of this project was to undertake research that will develop technically sound sample/survey methodologies and systems to enhance the ability to capture a wide range of plant health information in an accurate and cost-effective manner both domestically and internationally. This project developed a range of computational models that can be used for testing various strategies relating to surveillance and management of fungal pathogens that undergo aerial dispersal. This research project increased our knowledge about the epidemiology and biology of the exotic plant pathogen Fusarium wilt of banana caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical' race (Foc TR) This project aimed to provide a better community awareness of and engagement in citrus biosecurity management. The major aim of this research was to develop a multiplexed nanosensor assay for known viral pathogens of banana. The project investigated the potential of a recombinant antibody array to detect virus particles. This project investigated the risk of the South African Citrus Thrips in Australia expanding its host range to include commercial crops, and assess the potential of this insect to damage those crops by placing it in the context of other pest thrips species. This project investigated and modelled the role of different host plants and sources of those plants (e.g. commercial versus domestic) in the regional population dynamics of Q-fly as an aid to developing area-wide management as a pre-harvest market-access tool. This project examined the relationship among invasive Russian wheat aphid (RWA) lineages around the world. This information was then used to develop a pathway analysis of historical RWA invasions. The project investigated how the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa and the vector insect Homalodisca vitripennis (glassy-winged sharpshooter) will behave under Australian conditions. In particular, the potential interactions between native Australian flora and fauna and the two pest species was be explored. This project assessed the toxicity of reduced risk insecticides against a range of commercially available biocontrol agents for use in integrated pest management programs by the horticultural industry. This project provided a mathematical framework from which future management strategies on phosphine fumigation of Rhyzopertha dominica can be derived, with consideration of the species' increasing genetic resistance to phosphine. The project has developed new collaborative arrangements between universities, which allow the teaching of specialist degrees for which no one university may have the required expertise. This project used individual-based modelling to investigate how genetic, biological, ecological and management factors interact to affect the evolution of resistance to the grain fumigant

9 Mathematical modelling of fumigant resistance - Identification of effectors in ventura inaequalis - Economic analysis of surveillance - Potato spindle tuber viroid - Systematics of Australian Macropsine Leafhoppers - Jason Thorne Daniel Jones Hoda Abougamos Alison Mackie Linda Semeraro Stripe rust in Australia - Jordan Bailey Assessment of Uroleucon Sonchi on Lettuce in Western Australia (Hons) Cameron Brumley Plant pathogens in the Ord River Irrigation Area - Rebecca Zappia 01 New nematodes - Sunil Singh 01 Biosecurity policy - Theo Litaay 018 EHB protein profiling Matthew Davis phosphine in the stored-grain pest, the lesser grain borer. This information will help identify optimal management strategies for delaying or avoiding the evolution of resistance. This project developed mathematical models to investigate the emergence of resistance to fumigants, particularly phosphine based fumigants. A particularly important aspect is the possibility that resistance is directly influenced due to the migration of resistant stored grain insects from silos to and from surrounding farmland, where they breed with non-resistant insects. This project identified proteins that are important to the process of infection in Venturia inaequalis, the causative agent of apple scab. This project traced all the costs included in transporting grains from farms to the Kwinana region. This was done through a mathematical model that also included the possibility of emergence of phosphine resistance throughout the grains journey. This project investigated the phylogeny, pathogenicity and epidemiology of potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) and related pospiviroids in Australia. This project helped increase understanding of the taxonomy and systematics of a subfamily of leafhoppers in Australia, known as Macropsinae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). The study clarified which genera are represented amongst the Australian fauna and investigate whether any Australian species belong to the genera Macropsis and/ or Oncopsis. Wheat stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst)) is listed as a bioterrorism threat to U.S. agriculture in the Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 00. The outputs of this project were a diagnostic protocol for the rapid identification of potential foreign rust pathogens, a comprehensive analysis of molecular features of the Pst population in Australia, and an assessment of the relationship between Pst and wild barley grass species. Uroleucon sonchi is one of the introduced exotic species that can be a pest on commercially grown lettuce crops. The main output of this project was to provide information around possible variations of U. sonchi's host preferences, focusing on its feeding habit in Western Australia. This project determined what plant pathogens exist in the irrigation channels of the Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA), and how they could impact on biosecurity in the region. A robust sampling system for on-going monitoring of plant pathogens in the drains and supply channels of the ORIA was also developed. This project has developed a model for the assessment of biosecurity and quarantine threats of plant parasitic nematodes. The project also evaluated the risk assessment model by testing results against reference data. This project explored the role of local knowledge in the development and implementation of policy and related regulatory frameworks for biosecurity, including associated environmental risks. The aim of this project was to identify and isolate a diagnostic protein found within the frass of the European House Borer (EHB), Hylotrupes bajulus. The protein is then to be used to create a monoclonal antibody so that dipstick test can be developed that will help identify areas inhabited by EHB in the field. This project aimed to understand degradation of phosphine and its alternative residues in grains and its fractions. It provided data with P labelled phosphine residues in grains and their distribution within grain to establish withholding periods to prevent residue violation guidelines to prevent excessive levels of phosphine in the workplace. Fate of phosphine in 01 grains Megan Jansen 010 Mediterranean Fruit Fly Elizabeth Venter The aim of this research project was to complete a benefit-cost analysis (BCA) of establishing

10 Control 01 Native Parasitic Wasps Ashley Zamek Three new diagnostic 018 protocols and training Dr Gary Kong National Communication Strategy framework Personal Digital Assistants (Phase ) Grain Knowledge Networks Optimal Inverstment in R&D for Plant Biosecurity An Indigenous community and local knowledge-based model to manage harmful plant pests and diseases Understadning myrtle rust epidemiology and host specificity to determin impact in Australia Grains Knowledge Networks implementation A community-based model for Remote Microscopy Mr Jim McGrath Assoc Prof Giles Hardy Dr Sharyn Taylor Assoc Prof Ben White Prof Ian Falk Dr Suzy Perry Dr Sharyn Taylor Professor Ruth Wallace / Dr Gary Kong the entire Manjimup, Bridgetown, Donnybrook horticulture region in Western Australia (WA) as a Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) exclusion zone, and to model the dynamics of the Medfly population to determine obligatory control and eradication. The ultimate aim was to determine the optimal extent for a Medfly free area in this key horticultural region in WA. This project undertook a comprehensive literature review on the fruit fly parasitoid fauna of Australia, particularly the chosen species and its suitability for mass rearing and inundative release in Australia. The aim of this project was to enhance the CRC postgraduate program by completing three diagnostic protocols and one remotely delivered diagnostic training course by December 011. This project reviewed biosecurity communication projects and strategies that have been used in Australian agriculture and focused on the plant health sector. The scope of the review was to develop a national plant health communications strategy framework and toolkit aimed at enhancing biosecurity awareness and behaviours across Australia s plant industries. This project has shown that pest identification tools delivered via PDA smartphones are an important, robust and adaptable mechanism allowing immediate identification of potential biosecurity threats in the field and supports Australia s claims of being free of certain invasive pests. This project was undertaken in response to the need to maintain phosphine as a valuable tool for the management of insects in stored grain. This fumigant has the combined attributes of being cheap, effective for most commodities, compatible with grain handling logistics and accepted by domestic and international markets as residue-free. As a result, phosphine is central to pest management in the Australian grains industry and its continued effectiveness is essential to the sustainability of grain hygiene and market access for Australian grains. The project developed two detailed biosecurity models, one for area wide management for Qfly in the Sunraysia Pest Free Area (PFA) and the other for Network Wide Management of stored grain pests in Western Australia. Both of these models can be used to address a wide range of biosecurity issues. Australia s proximity to South East Asia places strategic importance on northern Australian in terms of plant biosecurity. This region is the focus for many plant biosecurity activities, often managed through AQIS s Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy (NAQS). This research began from the naïve position that terms such as industry, community and policy makers were fairly unproblematic. A significant part of this research was to unpack these terms, and show how an integrated strategy for managing biosecurity should be articulated. To determine the impacts of myrtle rust in Australia, it is necessary to have a thorough understanding of how the disease will manifest under our environmental conditions, and with the vast number of native myrtaceous hosts available; in plant production, environmental, amenity planting and backyard situations in Australia. The aims of this project were to provide preliminary data on the host range and impact of myrtle rust on native Myrtaceae in Australia; identify factors influencing spread and severity of Puccinia psidii infection; and establish a baseline for pathogen population studies of the Australian strain of P. psidii. This project summarised information on grain storage developed from the CRC009 into a best practice Manual and made further changes to the phosphine label to improve uptake of best practice for grain storage to control insect pests of stored grain. Through CRC00 the CRC developed a remote microscopy (RM) network across Australia. Strong interest in the project extended the network development into South East Asia. However the RM nodes are essentially structured around science expertise capacity, this project investigated the opportunity to extend the model to one based on social networking

11 Eucalyptus rust epidemiology and host specificity Prioritising Biosecurity R&D Projects with Strong Interdependencies EUREKA! AgResearch Proof of Concept QUT: Plant Biosecurity statistical position QUT: Biosecurity Surveillance GRDC Pilot Dr Simon McKirdy Dr Ben White Dr David Eagling Prof Kerrie Mengersen Dr Peter Whittle and community based structures. Myrtle rust poses a serious threat to Australian plant industries dependent on myrtaceous hosts and the Australian environment. There is likely to also be a significant social impact with many public amenity areas and backyard gardens being affected, combined with the community concern for damage to iconic species in the Australian environment. To properly assess the economic, environmental and social impacts of myrtle rust in Australia, it is necessary to have a good understanding of the disease epidemiology and host specificity. This project developed common methods to appraise investments in biosecurity R&D. The methods developed were applied to two contrasting systems; the first will consider the establishment and maintenance of fruit fly area freedom through surveillance and control. The second considered methods of maintaining biosecurity in stored grain through managing resistance to a range of insecticides and designing surveillance systems to support market access. This was a pilot project to provide Proof of Concept for a future product development program. 9 9 Experts are often the best source of information, particularly when it concerns exotic plant pests that have never before successfully invaded our shores. The art and science of eliciting information from experts spans many fields, from cognitive psychology and statistical education, to mathematical statistics and information visualization. In this project, we were able to tailor elicitation methods to biosecurity problems. This project prepared scoping studies on 11 points raised by GRDC that concern surveillance on biosecurity, food and feed safety market risks. The risks related to emergency plant pests, pesticide residues and mycotoxins. The strategies scoped under this theme were highly varied and included surveillance design, detection methods, data management, communication strategies, and quality systems.