This project is a scoping study to determine the potential of using an unmanned aerial vehicle, fitted with a spore trap, to detect and monitor spores of plant pathogens. We aim to develop a sampling system that will have the ability to spatially monitor fungal spores, and protocols to interpret their spatial distribution. This tool will greatly enhance the ability to detect new incursions of fungal pathogens and to enable more accurate delimiting of distribution. The technology will allow for earlier detection of EPP incursions in difficult areas and provide efficient and effective airborne surveillance.

What is the biosecurity problem?

Existing spore sampling devices are stationary at the sampling location. Location is important due to prevailing climatic conditions, and use of sampling devices in remote locations and where topography is severe is almost impossible. Where the disease is in the canopy of trees, using existing spore sampling technologies is almost impossible.

The main output of this project is to:

• design and develop a lightweight, compact and on-the-go spore sampling device, and
• install this equipment on a remotely controlled aircraft that can traverse a predetermined path.

Who will be the end-users of this research?

Should this scoping study prove successful further research will be conducted to refine the flying spore trap for use by surveillance staff employed in state and federal agencies.