Newly developed protocol a vital tool for safeguarding forestry industry

Posted 08 August 2024

Managing trees

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Pine Wood Nematode is a biosecurity pest of pine trees that is very difficult to tell apart from other, harmless teeny tiny nematodes.

The Pine Wood Nematode (PWN) poses a severe threat to pine forests globally, with significant impacts in countries where it has been introduced, such as Japan, China, and Portugal. The nematode disrupts the tree's water transport system, leading to rapid wilting and death.

Australia is taking proactive measures to prevent the incursion of PWN. The new National Diagnostic Protocol, developed by experts at CSIRO, focuses on accurate and timely identification, which is crucial for early intervention and management.

Maintaining Australia's biosecurity requires vigilance and preparedness. The protocol integrates advanced molecular techniques to distinguish PWN from other nematodes, ensuring precise diagnosis. This initiative reflects a broader effort to safeguard the forestry industry and natural ecosystems from invasive pests and diseases.

For further details, you can read the full article here.