PORT CHECK: Development of generic "on site" molecular diagnostics for EU quarantine pests and pathogens

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 03.0593

Key words (English)

Port Check

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: 502348

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 6. Frame Research Programme - 1.8.1 Policy-orientated research

Short description (English)

See abstract

Abstract (English)

PORT CHECK is a combined RTD and demonstration activity aimed to deliver the tools and procedures to allow EU member state Plant Health competent laboratories and inspection services to perform molecular diagnostic assays 'on-site' and at points of entry. The proposal will develop and evaluate real-time PCR (TaqMan) assays for a number of key harmful organisms, including Phytophthora ramorum (sudden oak death) and pinewood nematode; and transfer these assays to field portable real-time PCR platforms which were originally developed for bio-warfare and bio-terrorism applications. Particular attention will be paid to the problems associated with sampling and nucleic acid extraction in field conditions. The proposal mobilises an impressive consortium, including both academic and SME research partners, along with probably the most comprehensive and representative network of official Plant Health competent laboratory and inspection service organisations ever assembled for an EU RTD proposal. The consortium also includes partners with a proven track record of developing and successfully deploying on-site diagnostic kits to official Plant Health inspection services. Consultation with the principle stakeholders of the technology (inspection services, competent laboratories, DG SANCO, trade representatives etc.) at the outset and throughout the life of the project is given paramount importance. Adoption of the new technology should represent a step change in the way Plant Health services carry out inspections in support of Council Dir. 2000/29/EC and will contribute to the reduced risk of the importation (and export) and establishment of harmful organisms. This in turn will help to prevent any consequential negative impacts on the sustainability of European agricultural systems, protect critically important natural forest ecosystems and other negative economic, social and environmental effects associated with the establishment of non-indigenous plant pests and diseases.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 03.0593