Diagnostics
Outcome
Identification: World-class biosecurity capability for early identification of plant biosecurity threats.
Goal
A world-class biosecurity capability for early identification of plant biosecurity incursions in Australia through provision of data, expertise and diagnostic technology that is accurate, sensitive, reliable and cost-effective.
Indicators of success
Economics:
New diagnostic tools to improve responsiveness to plant biosecurity incursion events.
Science:
World recognised protocols for rapid identification of harmful pests and diseases are developed and published in international journals.
Policy:
Databases and new tools to share diagnostic information are standardised.
Protocols for plant biosecurity threats are developed and submitted to the Subcommittee on Plant Health Diagnostic Standards.
Capacity/Collaboration:
Improved diagnostics transferred to end-users to support monitoring and market access activities.
Impact/Adoption:
New diagnostic information (services, protocols and expertise) are accessed by end-users via internet systems.
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 | |
| 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 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 | |
| CRC20054: Plant Bacteria Platforms | Dr Deborah Hailstones |
This project will evaluate two of the newer discovery platforms, proteomics and metabolomics, for effectiveness in the identification of functional biomarkers that differentiate closely related more | |
| CRC20055: DNA Databank | Dr Andrew Geering |
The uses of plant disease and insect collections are numerous but most importantly for taxonomic research and comparative biology. From a biosecurity perspective, these collections allow the more | |
| CRC20080:Phosphine Resistance - Molecular | Dr David Schlipalius |
This project aims to provide rapid identification of the phosphine resistance status of any individual R. dominica or T. castaneum collected from grain in storage across more | |
| CRC20081: Biosensor-based Detection of Grain Pests | Dr Sylwester Chyb |
There is a need to develop technologies that can be used to rapidly detect and quantify pest infestations in bulk grain to assist in the management of these biosecurity threats. This project aims more | |
| CRC20093: Increasing diagnostic capacity in Thailand | Dr Gary Kong |
Accurate identification of pests is essential for practically all aspects of agricultural development and is critical to the operations of biosecurity that safeguard agricultural integrity and more | |
| CRC20115: Resolving the Bactrocera dorsalis Complex | Dr Anthony Clarke |
Flies belonging to the Oriental Fruit Fly species complex, Bactrocera dorsalis, include a number of serious horticultural pest species which are difficult to identify (i.e. B. more | |
| CRC20137: Khapra Beetle Diagnostics | Dr Nic Monzu |
The aim of this project is to establish a National Reference Laboratory for Dermestidae, with particular reference to the genus Trogoderma. The laboratory will provide molecular and more | |
| CRC27012: National Diagnostic Database | Dr Gary Kong |
This project is developing a mix of digital technologies designed to provide the building blocks of future diagnostic information systems. The more | |
PROGRAM LEADER

Dr Deborah Hailstones
Program Leader Diagnostics
Email: deborah.hailstones@industry.nsw.gov.au
Phone: 02 4640 6442
Fax: 02 4640 6300
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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
To undertake research that will provide rapid identification of plant biosecurity threats in order to decrease the cost of eradication and impacts through rapid response.
