DNA-based methods are becoming increasingly important for the rapid, accurate and cost-effective identification of plant pests and pathogens. However, the reliability of these approaches depends on the quality and completeness of the DNA reference libraries that underpin them. While large volumes of DNA sequence data are now available through public databases, there are significant inconsistencies in taxonomic accuracy, data quality, metadata standards and sample coverage. As a result, there a need to improve our understanding of how well existing DNA reference resources support plant health surveillance and diagnostics for Scotland and the wider UK.
This project will undertake a comprehensive gap analysis of DNA reference libraries used for plant health diagnostics, focusing on pests and pathogens relevant to Scotland and the wider UK. Through reviews of existing databases, scientific literature and consultation with experts, the project will assess the availability, quality and accessibility of current reference data, identify major gaps in coverage, and evaluate relevant national and international initiatives. The findings will help prioritise future investment in DNA reference resources, supporting the development of more reliable diagnostic tools, earlier detection of threats, and improved plant health and biosecurity monitoring across agricultural, forestry, horticultural and natural environments.


Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

To maximise the impact of the work of the Centre, we need to be effective at the production, exchange and implementation of plant health knowledge across the four plant sectors, forestry, horticulture, environment and agriculture. To this end we have had a Stakeholder Engagement Strategy developed (PHC2020/02). This project, that runs for a 12-month duration, will implement this strategy. The aims of the project are to conduct further research on plant health knowledge flows, develop the Centre’s relationship with plant health stakeholders, foster a more dominant social media narrative for the Centre and lead the translation and distribution of knowledge to plant health practitioners, liaising closely with SEFARI Gateway.

Impact: Keep plant health and biosecurity at the forefront of our stakeholders’ minds, and a high priority for them, raising stakeholder awareness about the risks from plant pests and pathogens and the solutions available for their management and control, and raising the profile of the Plant Health Centre and our online resources.