The Technical Panel on Diagnostic Protocols Holds its First knowledge Sharing Workshop in Japan

Yokohama, Japan 31 October 2024, A mini workshop, “Boosting Agricultural Resilience: Advancing Knowledge Sharing in the IPPC Technical Panel on Diagnostic Protocols (TPDP) and New Plant Pest Diagnostic Techniques”, was successfully held in Yokohama on October 25th, bringing together experts from the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Technical Panel on Diagnostic Protocols (TPDP), the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan, and various researchers from Japan's National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPO). The workshop aimed to enhance knowledge sharing and capacity building in advanced plant pest diagnostic methodologies, supporting IPPC’s mission to enhance agricultural resilience worldwide.

Takanori Tsukamoto, Director NPPO Representative from MAFF Japan, emphasized the significance of shared expertise and innovation, “This workshop allows us to share Japan’s work in plant pest diagnostics and learn from other experts. Collaboration like this is essential for ensuring rapid and effective pest control measures, benefiting our global agricultural systems.” He stated.

Highlights and Key Takeaways

Structured as a series of technical presentations and collaborative sessions, the workshop covered topics ranging from advanced diagnostic protocols to groundbreaking tools such as CRISPR technology for rapid point-of-care diagnostics. Experts presented on practical applications and recent advancements, including Japan’s quarantine measures for Meloidogyne enterolobii in imported seedlings, Ghana’s experience with virus diagnostics, and MAFF's applications of artificial intelligence for detecting plant pathogenic fungi spores.

The workshop also provided an introduction to IPPC’s standard-setting processes, emphasizing how NPPO staff can actively engage in plant protection efforts through expert nominations and consultation participation.

Yazmin Rivera, TPDP Member and Presenter on CRISPR Technologies, highlighted the workshop's role in strengthening global agricultural resilience “As a TPDP member, I’m thrilled to present our latest advancements in plant pest diagnostics. This workshop is an incredible opportunity for IPPC members to collectively contribute to stronger agricultural resilience globally.”

© MAFF-Japan – Participants at the TPDP workshop in Yokohama, Japan.

The workshop promoted collaboration between TPDP members, the IPPC Secretariat, and Japan’s NPPO to advance plant pest diagnostic techniques and creating networking opportunities for participants to exchange experiences, ideas, and best practices.

Noda Yoshitaka, Expo Secretariat of World Horticultural Exhibition 2027 Yokohama, highlighted Yokohama's role as a fitting host city for the workshop, emphasizing its reputation for innovation and commitment to advancing global plant health “Hosting this workshop in Yokohama, a city known for innovation, aligns with our commitment to bringing the best in agricultural diagnostic techniques to the world stage for more resilient and sustainable plant health systems.” he remarked.

© MAFF-Japan – Participants at the TPDP workshop in Yokohama, Japan.