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 Plant Biosecurity Toolbox will contain a collection of diagnostic protocols for Emergency Plant Pests and provide users with images, taxonomic and biological information as well as identification instructions, diagnostic procedures and contact details for experts and accredited diagnostic laboratories.

The toolbox will be accessible via the PaDIL website, and will provide access to other biosecurity diagnostic tools, such as the Remote Microscope Diagnostic Network. The ‘Plant Biosecurity Toolbox' will increase Australia's capacity and skills for plant biosecurity.

What is the biosecurity problem?

Currently there is no single information resource, web-based or otherwise, to provide diagnostic information for targeted emergency plant pests (EPPs). Fast access to diagnostic information at the time of a suspected incursion is vital to biosecurity responsiveness.

The main outputs of this project are to:

• develop a standard diagnostic information template in collaboration with staff involved in plant biosecurity diagnostics
• audit diagnostic information relating to EPPs to populate the template and identify gaps in diagnostic information, and 
• provide a web-based portal to access diagnostic information.

Who will be the end-users of this research?

Outputs, diagnostic protocols and other features will be embedded in the website, and used by government and industry diagnosticians and others involved in plant biosecurity or crop protection.