Boosting Diagnostics for Plant Production Industries

This project aims to boost field and laboratory diagnostics by employing a Project Officer who would work with existing staff within Plant Diagnostic Services and key stakeholders. This project team will carry out the following activities:

Theme 1: Diagnostic capacity building. We propose to undertake activities to fill gaps in Tasmania's diagnostic capacity, particularly associated with our linkages to industry. This includes prioritising NPPPs according to Tasmanian conditions, educating industry, improve linkages to Biosecurity Tasmania's laboratories and improving laboratory capability.

Theme 2: Enhanced diagnostic tools. We plan to undertake activities to improve Tasmania's laboratory capacity for NPPPs such as improving collection holdings, production of National Diagnostic Protocols and undertaking training activities for key NPPPs.

Theme 3: In-field detection and diagnostic blitzes: We propose to work with other project participants, industry and other stakeholders to hold blitzes in three regions for key industry pests.