Protecting the world's plant resources from pests through harmonized diagnostic protocols

The IPPC Secretariat was invited to provide the opening lecture at the 38th Sao Paulo Phytopathology Congress (Congresso Paulista de Fitopatologia) in Araras, Brazil (10 - 12 February 2015). Represented by Ms. Adriana G. Moreira, the lecture entitled Protecting the world s plant resources from pests through harmonized diagnostic protocols raised awareness of the IPPC and its standard setting process, in particular on how diagnostic protocols are developed and adopted. It is hoped that this outreach will increase participation by scientists in the standard setting process and thereby result in improved international standards for phytosanitary measures, more specifically diagnostic protocols.

The congress, held since 1978, is sponsored annually by the Sao Paulo Association of Phytopathology (APF) and has partnerships with research institutions and universities of the State of Sao Paulo. The aim is to bring together professionals from academia, research and extension in the public and private sectors, students and other stakeholders to present scientific advances, disseminate knowledge, discuss relevant topics, encourage innovation, and create specific working groups.

The congress was attended by approximately 110 participants including plant pathologists from universities and research institutes (from Brazil and two other countries), students, researchers from the private sector and a representative from the Brazilian national plant protection organization (NPPO).