Every year, plant diseases and pests cause significant economic losses to farmers, affecting not only their livelihoods but also the availability and affordability of nutritious food for millions of people around the world.
The workshop surrounding Plant Pathology, which is the science and study of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and nematodes that cause diseases in plants and Entomology, the science and study of insects and related arthropods has been introduced by the Biosecurity and Plant Health officers from 15 Pacific countries and territories.
This was in response to the increased trade and movement across borders , the risk of plant pests, alongside their diseases being transported being a heightened risk; the interception of effective biosecurity risks via laboratory identification of pests or causative agents of the disease needs to increase.
The European Union, currently funding this workshop, which had initially started at July this year, under the “Safe Agricultural Trade Facilitation through Economic Integration in the Pacific program” (SAFE Pacific). It is focusing on key concepts and techniques in plant pathology and entomology, delivering it in partnership with the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries – Plant Health and Environment Laboratory. Through collaboration with the University of the South Pacific (USP), the team used the lecture room, the biology laboratory and its facilities to carry out this training.
Ms Karen Mapusua, the director of the Pacific Community’s (SPC) Land Resources Division (LRD), emphasized the importance of equipping biosecurity and plant protection professionals with the latest knowledge, skills, and technologies to tackle biosecurity threats.
“By equipping trainers with the expertise, they need to train others and build a robust network of experts who can work together to prevent and respond to plant diseases and pests,” Ms Mapusua said.
She also reiterates that it was imperative to build a community of practice whilst acquiring knowledge.
“By sharing our expertise and experiences, we can strengthen our regional network of plant pathology and entomology technicians in the biosecurity space. We can learn from each other and collaborate more effectively to address the complex challenges we face.” she adds.
The participants of the training engaged in theory, immersion sessions for both practical and in field, learning diagnostic techniques alongside methods of research. Ms Tekataake Oromita, a Senior Biosecurity Officer in Kiribati shared that the training content ““Provided the appropriate knowledge and skills in identification and diagnostics”.
Biosecurity Senior Officer (Airport and Seaport Clearance) from Niue, Ms Chervonne Vilila, another participant had also shared that it was, “Great refresher and an enjoyable experience in learning and gaining new skills”.
Pressure to strengthen Biosecurity and plant protection is now at an all time high with the increasing movement at our Pacific borders; the training is a valuable experience for those who will tackle this problem head on and protect our borders.