Informing pest prevention efforts through Sentinel Plant Monitoring

Abstract

Botanic gardens with international collections provide a unique opportunity to help detect potential invasive threats to forest health. Nursery stock is well-recognized as a major pathway for the introduction of invasive insects and pathogens to native ecosystems. Plant health regulators need help knowing what pests attack host plants abroad so they can develop ways to encourage clean nursery stock production. The New Zealand expatriate plant pilot demonstrated that systematic observation of native plants in botanical gardens overseas is effective. Ten new pests were detected in just 14 overseas site visits. European Union entomologists have initiated collaborative research with Chinese and Russian counterparts to monitor plantings of European trees. A more holistic approach to monitoring and data sharing could greatly strengthen our ability to predict pest problems before they arrive in new lands.

Citation

Britton, K.O. 2010. Informing pest prevention efforts through Sentinel Plant Monitoring. Proceedings of the 4th Global Botanic Gardens Congress, Dublin, Ireland. June 2010