Abstract
Reliable and rapid diagnostic methods are essential to support inspection activities conducted by National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) in the framework of their official mandate, and to evaluate the efficacy of control measures taken. Since 1998 the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) has been supporting the harmonization of diagnostic methods for regulated pests in the EPPO region through the development of technical standards. In order to increase active collaboration among the organizations involved in plant health research activities at the national and regional levels, Euphresco (European Phytosanitary Research Coordination) was established in 2006 and funded by the EU as an ERA-NET project. Euphresco has subsequently evolved into a self-sustaining international network hosted by EPPO. This paper describes the EPPO diagnostic programme. It will also provide some examples of research projects funded through Euphresco that have provided valuable support for the development of pest-specific diagnostic protocols and will show how NPPOs can shape the research agenda of research funders and help to identify gaps to be addressed through transnational collaboration.
Highlights
The Mediterranean basin has been identified as one of the 25 biodiversity hotspots (Myers et al, 2000) in the world characterized by an exceptional concentration of endemic species and facing alarming habitat loss
This paper describes the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) diagnostic programme
Since 1998, EPPO has been supporting the harmonization of diagnostic methods for regulated pests in the EPPO region through the development of technical standards
Summary
The Mediterranean basin has been identified as one of the 25 biodiversity hotspots (Myers et al, 2000) in the world characterized by an exceptional concentration of endemic species and facing alarming habitat loss. Agriculture plays an important role in the economy of the region as it represents an important share of the labor force (The World Bank, 2018): the region has played an important role in the international trade (import and export) of plants and plant products. This makes the Mediterranean area susceptible to the threats associated with plant pests and climate change (Giorgi & Lionello, 2008).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
