Forewarned is forearmed: harmonized approaches for early detection of potentially invasive pests and pathogens in sentinel plantings

Abstract

The number of invasive alien pest and pathogen species affecting ecosystem functioning, human health and economies has increased dramatically over the last decades. Discoveries of invasive pests and pathogens previously unknown to science or with unknown host associations yet damaging on novel hosts highlights the necessity of developing novel tools to predict their appearance in hitherto naïve environments. The use of sentinel plant systems is a promising tool to improve the detection of pests and pathogens before introduction and to provide valuable information for the development of preventative measures to minimize economic or environmental impacts. Though sentinel plantings have been established and studied during the last decade, there still remains a great need for guidance on which tools and protocols to put into practice in order to make assessments accurate and reliable. The sampling and diagnostic protocols chosen should enable as much information as possible about potential damaging agents and species identification. Consistency and comparison of results are based on the adoption of common procedures for sampling design and sample processing. In this paper, we suggest harmonized procedures that should be used in sentinel planting surveys for effective sampling and identification of potential pests and pathogens. We also review the benefits and limitations of various diagnostic methods for early detection in sentinel systems, and the feasibility of the results obtained supporting National Plant Protection Organizations in pest and commodity risk analysis.

Spotting the pests of tomorrow—Sampling designs for detection of species associations with woody plants

“…Our case studies reveal important effects of many spatial and temporal aspects that may affect the captured diversity and, thus, should be considered when deciding on a sampling design. Although here we discuss the tree as the sampling unit, the number of samples within the individual tree should be enough to record a large proportion of the richness of the selected organism group Morales‐Rodríguez et al (). The sampling effort for the selected organism group could focus on the tree organ (e.g.…”

“…isolation or rearing vs. high throughput sequencing). Such differences are due to the ecology of the targeted hosts and pests and to the specific detection or identification techniques that are used (Morales‐Rodríguez et al, ). In order to decide on the appropriate sampling for insects and fungi in the same locations it is necessary to understand the ecology of the sampled trees and targeted pests, as well as the purpose of the sampling.…”

“…Although here we discuss the tree as the sampling unit, the number of samples within the individual tree should be enough to record a large proportion of the richness of the selected organism group Morales-Rodríguez et al (2019). The sampling effort for the selected organism group could focus on the tree organ (e.g.…”

“…Tedersoo et al, 2014). Most studies will have a similar design, because of limited -Rodríguez et al, 2019). In order to decide on the appropriate sampling for insects and fungi in the same locations it is necessary to understand the ecology of the sampled trees and targeted pests, as well as the purpose of the sampling.…”

Applications of Biotechnology for Characterization of Plants and Pests as the Key Components of Plant Protection and Production Strategies: A Review

“…Early detection (ED) and a rapid response (RR) strategy are crucial to reduce the risk of entry and spread of plant pests into an area (Olmos et al, 2018). EDRR is a proactive approach to managing invasive species that prevents establishment of new infestations to predict prevalence at first discovery (Parnell et al, 2015); diagnostics for early detection of alien pests (Morales-Rodríguez et al, 2019), noxious weeds (Andreas et al, 2015). EDRR consists of 6 steps: (i) Early Detection, (ii) Identification, (iii) Alert Screening, (iv) Risk Assessment, (v) Rapid Response and (vi) Monitoring and reassessment.…”