Diagnostics
Rapid identification of emergency plant pest and pathogen incursions is essential to reduce the cost of eradication and impacts through rapid response. Diagnostic technology and data underpin our capacity for early identification and monitoring. This program will anticipate and apply new technologies (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and bioinformatics) to develop new tools and procedures, and to provide rapid access to data and expertise that is accurate, sensitive, reliable and cost-effective.
Goal
A world class biosecurity capability for early identification of emergency plant pest incursions in Australia through provision of data, expertise and diagnostic technology that is accurate, sensitive, reliable and cost-effective.
Actions
- Develop and validate comprehensive diagnostic and taxonomic reference data and link to national and international reference collections and databases.
- Develop new, robust, cost-effective diagnostic tools for accurate identification of emergency plant pests.
- Develop innovative high-throughput technology to underpin large-scale surveillance and early detection of emergency plant pest incursions.
- Develop high speed and ready access to best available diagnostic services, protocols and expertise.
Benefits
- Greater ability to identify emergency plant pests anywhere in Australia using distance diagnostics.
- More readily accessible data on emergency plant pests.
- Enhanced level of diagnostic skill available for plant biosecurity.
- Cost effective, robust and reliable diagnostic technologies available for plant biosecurity.
- Enhancement of the national diagnostic network.
- Maintenance of market access.
Diagnostics Research Projects
| Title | Leader |
| CRC20004: Karnal Bunt Detection | Dr Mui-Keng Tan |
This project will develop an accurate, reliable and internationally recognised DNA based protocol to detect Karnal bunt. The methodology will be validated by laboratories in Australia and overseas more | |
| CRC20012: National Diagnostic Database | Dr Gary Kong |
This project will develop an easy-to-use, web- accessible national diagnostic database known as ‘The Plant Biosecurity Toolbox' that will help users to quickly assess a suspected incursion. The more | |
| CRC20025: Remote Microscopes | Dr John La Salle |
| Through a web-based remote microscope system, this project will improve the responsiveness to potential incursions by reducing delays in diagnosis, particularly in remote areas. This technology will more | |
| CRC20030: Nanobead Diagnostic Platform | Dr Andrew Geering |
| This project focuses on development of nanosensor technology and software for detection of human, animal and plant pathogens that are highly significant biosecurity threats to public health and more | |
PROGRAM LEADER
Dr Deborah Hailstones
Program Leader Diagnostics
Email: d.hailstones
Phone: 02 4640 6442
Fax: 02 4640 6300
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