Thursday, March 28, 2024

Kiwi scientists collaborate globally

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Plants, pests and diseases can threaten our production systems so knowledge is key to protecting our environment and natural ecosystems.
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New Zealand scientists recently joined Euphresco which will allow them to collaborate and learn from experts across the globe.

Euphresco is a global organisation comprising 50 countries that allows international experts to study and share information in the phytosanitary area and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), supported by Better Border Biosecurity (B3), now belongs to the organisation.

B3 is a multi-partner, cooperative science collaboration that researches ways to reduce the entry and establishment of new plant pests and diseases in NZ. 

Scientists from B3 and MPI are currently contributing to a dozen projects including senior scientist at MPI Dr Chandan Pa, who is investigating what kind of DNA we can find inside of plants, said: “Euphresco has helped us build unique partnerships with our counterparts from other countries in the plant health research area, and understand and build a common infrastructure required for research and innovation.”

B3 director and Euphresco associate member for NZ Dr David Teulon said being part of the global network provides great opportunities for B3 scientists to connect with international researchers working in areas of mutual interest.

“This opportunity to formalise NZ’s involvement in Euphresco is another important step in making sure we are sharing information and working together internationally on issues of concern to NZ’s plant biosecurity,” Teulon said.

The overall goal of Euphresco is to support coordination and collaboration around phytosanitary research, relating to the health of plants, especially with respect to the requirements of international trade, an important factor for NZ agriculture. 

The rate of introduction and establishment of new plant pests has increased steadily over the last century because of expanding globalisation of trade, exacerbated by climate change. 

It takes proactivity to prevent damage to productive and natural ecosystems and avoid endangering human and animal health.

“We know how much damage plant pests and diseases are causing overseas, and science partnerships will help us stay ahead,” MPI’s diagnostics and surveillance services director and NZ’s representative on the Euphresco board Dr Veronica Herrera said.

“Our NZ scientists can work on common biosecurity solutions and share their practical knowledge with their peers on the other side of the world.”

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