Molecular diagnostic techniques and biotechnology in plant biosecurity

Abstract

Accurate identification of plant pests is essential to maintaining a successful plant biosecurity programme. Diagnostic methods and technologies used by national regulatory programmes (NPPOs), and associated laboratories for identification, are driven by method/protocol availability, taxonomy and biology of the pest, all informed by accurate reference collections and genetic databases. The ultimate selection and implementation of specific diagnostics for any programme is influenced by the unique circumstances faced by each plant protection organization. While regulatory diagnostics are used to protect agriculture and the environment, they also must be accomplished while maintaining open agricultural trade. Much information is needed to fit the diagnostic to its intended use and avoid improper use or assay failure. The components that currently drive method development and deployment of systems for regulatory identification and diagnosis include criteria for method selection, development, and transfer to the field. Diagnostic methods that are developed using quality management guidelines and appropriate validation strategies can produce universally acceptable results for regulatory decisions. Technologies that are serological, genome based, or detect volatile signatures can supplement morphological and visual identification as well as independently provide accurate identification of regulatory pests. Each NPPO continues to evolve its utility to pest detection by advancing new technologies such as DNA barcodes, recombinant DNA produced monoclonal antibodies, and novel ways of detecting targeted nucleic acids. Use of two or more assays to fulfill regulatory requirements adds diversity for cross-checking and accountability of the results when high-consequence regulatory decisions are made.