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NEWS EVENTS NEWSLETTERS
10 Apr 2025

Expression of interest for the update, review and/or verification of National Diagnostic Protocols

The National Diagnostic Protocols (NDPs) are a key part of Australia’s plant biosecurity system. The Subcommittee on Plant Health Diagnostics (SPHD) manages their development. NDPs provide the minimum requirements for diagnostic procedures and methods to detect and identify plant pests. They include details on the pest, its host and taxonomic status and identification and detection […]

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25 Mar 2025

Register for virtual Annual Diagnostics Workshop 2024-25 Plant bacteriology

The National Plant Biosecurity Diagnostic Network (NPBDN) is excited to announce that registration is now open for the third webinar in the virtual Annual Diagnostics Workshop (vADW) 2024-25 series. The event kicked off in November 2024, featuring experts on plant virology, followed by a second webinar in February focusing on plant mycology (to view the […]

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20 Feb 2025

Career profile | Mark Schutze

This month we are profiling Mark Schutze, Principal Scientist (Entomology), Queensland Department of Primary Industry (QDPI). This forms part of our focus on reference collections, highlighting the work of dedicated researchers and staff. How did you find yourself on this career path? I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t interested in insects, and I’ve […]

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13 Feb 2025

Register for virtual Annual Diagnostics Workshop 2024-25 Plant Mycology

The National Plant Biosecurity Diagnostic Network (NPBDN) is delighted to announce that registrations are now open for the second webinar in the virtual Annual Diagnostics Workshop (vADW) 2024-25 series. Each session will be filled with expert insights, the latest research and discussions designed to enhance diagnostic expertise. These webinars offer a unique opportunity to connect […]

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12 Feb 2025

Nomination of Tephritidae experts for IPPC Diagnostic Protocols

The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) is calling for nominations for authors to create Diagnostic Protocols (DPs) on Tephritidae: molecular identification of immature stages of fruit flies of economic importance to genus. This is part of the ongoing work of the Technical Panel on Diagnostic Protocols (TPDP). Participation in these IPPC forums is an important […]

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10 Feb 2025

Bursaries now available for APPS 2025 Conference attendees

Students and early career researchers are invited to apply for bursaries to attend the 25th Australasian Plant Pathology Society Conference, which will be held in Sydney from 26-28 May 2025. This is a valuable opportunity to connect with peers and expand knowledge in the field of plant pathology. To qualify, applicants must be current Australasian […]

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30 Jan 2025

Dermestidae and Khapra beetle identification workshop

Ten entomology diagnosticians from across Australia gathered in Canberra last November to participate in a five-day workshop led by the National Plant Biosecurity Diagnostic Network (NPBDN). The workshop explored topics to strengthen national diagnostic capabilities for Dermestidae beetles (skin beetles), including Australia’s number two National Priority Plant Pest, Khapra beetle. Dr Adam Ślipiński and Dr […]

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18 Dec 2024

Career profile – Pragya Kant

This month we are profiling Pragya Kant, a Project Officer in Domestic Quarantine within the Chief Plant Health Officer Branch, Biosecurity and Agriculture Services, of the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) Victoria. How did you find yourself on this career path? I have always been a high scorer in science, particularly in […]

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Keeping an eye on pests and how to report a suspect pest

Any unusual plant pest, disease or weed should be reported.

Reporting hotlines operate in both Australia and New Zealand (numbers shown below).

Exotic Plant Pest Hotline 1800 084 881
New Zealand Pest and Disease Hotline 1800 084 881

Pests can also be reported using apps, such as MyPestGuide® for Australia, that allow you to submit a photo of the pest or symptoms.

Every report is taken seriously and handled confidentially. Management of calls varies in different areas, but to the same end.

MyPestGuide®

HELPING AUSTRALIAN PLANT DIAGNOSTICIANS SUCCEED TOGETHER

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