New approaches for the early detection of tree health pests and pathogens
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Greenwich
Department Name: Natural Resources Institute, FES
Abstract
Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.
Technical Summary
This project has 6 work packages (WP), each based around a different combination of skills and expertise. For WP2-6 there will be a focus on a particular detection technology, while WP1 will provide the technical oversight needed for effective deployment of these different technologies, as summarised:
WP1:a participatory interdisciplinary approach will be used to evaluate the needs of stakeholders and to ensure that the technologies meet these. It will also focus on the requirements of effective technology deployment, using mathematical modeling to develop sampling strategies, to create network-based risk maps and economic assessments of cost-effectiveness. Further aspects of deployment will be analysed using social science approaches including end-user acceptability and the potential for using citizen science.
WP2:analytical chemistry approaches will be used to identify diagnostic volatile organic compounds produced by pests, pathogens and diseased hosts and to translate these onto commercial-available portable platforms for use by inspectors in the field.
WP3:multispectral imaging will be used to identify markers for the early detection of biotic/abiotic stress in plants. A prototype bioimaging camera will be constructed that can be used to validate this approach in the field.
WP4:will develop mathematical models of spore movement and investigate metagenomics for broad-spectrum surveillance utilizing existing monitoring networks e.g. pollen traps. In addition, a novel integrated cyclone-based trapping and molecular detection system will be developed and evaluated.
WP5:novel semiochemical attractants will be identified for a range of wood-boring beetle pests, incorporated into traps designed for efficient detection and then deployed in a risk-based network.
WP6:methods for sampling and rapid screening water for Phytopthora spp., including 'unknowns' will be developed and validated. This will combine high-throughput sequencing with a rapid bioinformatic.
WP1:a participatory interdisciplinary approach will be used to evaluate the needs of stakeholders and to ensure that the technologies meet these. It will also focus on the requirements of effective technology deployment, using mathematical modeling to develop sampling strategies, to create network-based risk maps and economic assessments of cost-effectiveness. Further aspects of deployment will be analysed using social science approaches including end-user acceptability and the potential for using citizen science.
WP2:analytical chemistry approaches will be used to identify diagnostic volatile organic compounds produced by pests, pathogens and diseased hosts and to translate these onto commercial-available portable platforms for use by inspectors in the field.
WP3:multispectral imaging will be used to identify markers for the early detection of biotic/abiotic stress in plants. A prototype bioimaging camera will be constructed that can be used to validate this approach in the field.
WP4:will develop mathematical models of spore movement and investigate metagenomics for broad-spectrum surveillance utilizing existing monitoring networks e.g. pollen traps. In addition, a novel integrated cyclone-based trapping and molecular detection system will be developed and evaluated.
WP5:novel semiochemical attractants will be identified for a range of wood-boring beetle pests, incorporated into traps designed for efficient detection and then deployed in a risk-based network.
WP6:methods for sampling and rapid screening water for Phytopthora spp., including 'unknowns' will be developed and validated. This will combine high-throughput sequencing with a rapid bioinformatic.
Planned Impact
The interdisciplinary design of this proposal will ensure maximum ongoing impact. Central to this is stakeholder engagement and our proposal has adopted a novel approach to facilitate this. Traditional approaches to developing new detection or diagnostic technologies have assumed the 'build it and they will come' approach; where the focus is on the technical aspects of the novel methodology, rather than the needs of end-users and the specifics of how it will be effectively deployed. This proposal reverses that by taking an inclusive view of what is required to achieve a successful outcome i.e. the deployment of a new technology that improves our biosecurity, and then co-designs technologies which fit that purpose. It achieves this by embracing an interdisciplinary approach and through establishing early engagement with stakeholders and end-users. Critical to this is the creation of a Learning Platform (Work Package 1) which sits at the core of the project and cuts across the other technology-driven work packages (WPs 2-6). This platform will create communication channels, facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing across work packages and stakeholder groups, actively disseminating project outcomes and enabling the pathways to impact. This will be delivered as a series of workshops; both cross-cutting (looking at the broader issues associated with detection and its successful deployment) and more focused (looking at specific issues associated with a particular technology and the contexts for its use). In addition to interacting with stakeholders (e.g. policy-makers, inspectors, NGOs, industry), this approach will use the breadth of expertise established within the consortium and assembled from across a wide-range of disciplines. This brings together 'technology-owners' (natural and physical scientists) with 'technology-evaluators' (mathematical and social sciences) to ensure that the best technological approaches are married with suitable sampling and risk-based deployment strategies, that they have stakeholder acceptability and offer genuine cost-efficiency benefits to public and private stakeholders alike.
In addition to the novel approach built into the project design, the effective delivery of impact will also benefit from a consortium which has an extremely strong track record of delivering translation science, to policy and industry alike. As government science agencies, the major remit for both Fera and Forest Research is to take science and technology and to translate it into policy-focused tools and evidence. This is a role they provide routinely for Defra and Forestry Commission, and their associated inspectors on the frontline in the field (e.g. Fera PHSI and FC Inspectors). In terms of delivery of technologies to end-users including industry, there is also a strong track record across the consortium in a whole range of contexts e.g. Worcester (horticulture industry diagnostics), JHI (potato industry diagnostics), Greenwich (pest trap deployment) and Fera (field diagnostics deployment). The integration of a number of SMEs within the consortium is another pathway to impact; providing a route for new technologies to be made freely available beyond the end of the project. Finally as plant and tree health sits within a European regulatory framework, the ability to engage with international partners and stakeholders is important. The consortium has a wealth of experience and contacts in this area, in particular through its central role in a range of related EU-funded projects e.g. Q-Detect (Fera-led), ISEFOR (Aberdeen-led) and PERMIT (FR-led). It will also build upon existing systems for knowledge exchange within our region, especially through the use of the European Plant Protection Organization (EPPO). By working with EPPO, using activities such as its workshops and conferences, we will be able to reach out to tree health practitioners across Europe; in many cases the real frontline for UK biosecurity.
In addition to the novel approach built into the project design, the effective delivery of impact will also benefit from a consortium which has an extremely strong track record of delivering translation science, to policy and industry alike. As government science agencies, the major remit for both Fera and Forest Research is to take science and technology and to translate it into policy-focused tools and evidence. This is a role they provide routinely for Defra and Forestry Commission, and their associated inspectors on the frontline in the field (e.g. Fera PHSI and FC Inspectors). In terms of delivery of technologies to end-users including industry, there is also a strong track record across the consortium in a whole range of contexts e.g. Worcester (horticulture industry diagnostics), JHI (potato industry diagnostics), Greenwich (pest trap deployment) and Fera (field diagnostics deployment). The integration of a number of SMEs within the consortium is another pathway to impact; providing a route for new technologies to be made freely available beyond the end of the project. Finally as plant and tree health sits within a European regulatory framework, the ability to engage with international partners and stakeholders is important. The consortium has a wealth of experience and contacts in this area, in particular through its central role in a range of related EU-funded projects e.g. Q-Detect (Fera-led), ISEFOR (Aberdeen-led) and PERMIT (FR-led). It will also build upon existing systems for knowledge exchange within our region, especially through the use of the European Plant Protection Organization (EPPO). By working with EPPO, using activities such as its workshops and conferences, we will be able to reach out to tree health practitioners across Europe; in many cases the real frontline for UK biosecurity.
Organisations
- University of Greenwich (Lead Research Organisation)
- Scottish Government (Co-funder)
- Natural Environment Research Council (Co-funder)
- Economic and Social Research Council (Co-funder)
- Forestry Commission Scotland (Co-funder)
- Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Co-funder)
- French National Institute of Agricultural Research (Collaboration)
- FOREST RESEARCH (Collaboration)
- Sentomol (Collaboration)
- Julius Kuhn Institute (Collaboration)
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Collaboration)
- East Malling Research (United Kingdom) (Collaboration)
- Wageningen University & Research (Collaboration)
- Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (Collaboration)
Publications
Hall D R
(2017)
Chemical ecology of Monochamus galloprovincialis, vector of pinewood nematode in Europe
in IOBC-WPRS Bulletin
Hall DR
(2017)
Female Sex Pheromone of the Cone Moth, Dioryctria mendacella: Investigation of Synergism between Type I and Type II Pheromone Components.
in Journal of chemical ecology
Millar JG
(2022)
Identification and Synthesis of Leptotriene, a Unique Sesquiterpene Hydrocarbon from Males of the Leaffooted Bugs Leptoglossus zonatus and L. occidentalis.
in Journal of natural products
Pajares J
(2016)
Attractants for management of the pine sawyer beetle Monochamus sutor , a potential vector of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
in Journal of Applied Entomology
Álvarez G
(2016)
Combining pheromone and kairomones for effective trapping of the pine sawyer beetle Monochamus galloprovincialis
in Journal of Applied Entomology
Álvarez G
(2015)
Smoke, pheromone and kairomone olfactory receptor neurons in males and females of the pine sawyer Monochamus galloprovincialis (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae).
in Journal of insect physiology
Description | An improved pheromone lure for oak processionary moth has been developed which doubled catches in field tests. In collaboration with the BIPESCO project the trail pheromone of pine processionary moth has been investigated. In collaboration with FERA, initial investigations were carried out on the aggregation pheromone of citrus longhorn borer and this was recently identified by American researchers. Assistance was given to APHA staff in maintaining the Asian longhorn borer trap network. The longevity of the various lures was determined. Traps and lures to catch a wide range of longhorn beetles, including Asian longhorn borer were developed and provided to 12 volunteers as part of a "Citizen Science" trial. No longhorn beetles were caught as timing was based on anticipated flight of ALB and was too late for indigenous longhorn beetles. Valuable experience was gained and this will be repeated earlier in 2016. |
Exploitation Route | It is hoped to evaluate the new lures for OPM as part of the Forest Research trap network. Traps for longhorn beetles will be used by volunteers in the coming season. |
Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Chemicals Environment |
Description | 1. Traps for longhorn beetles provided to volunteers for evaluation as part of a Citizen Science experiment to improve detection of Asian longhorn beetle and other potential invasive beetles. 2. Forest Research were assisted to determine why commercial lures for oak processionary moth provided in 2020 were unattractive to moths. Following engagement with the manufacturer, lures for 2021 were checked and shown to be attractive |
First Year Of Impact | 2021 |
Sector | Environment |
Impact Types | Societal |
Description | Finding a solution to Hylobius abietis in forest establishment - Phase 2 |
Amount | £200,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | C0163 |
Organisation | Forestry and Land Scotland |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2020 |
End | 12/2021 |
Description | SBRI Challenge: Finding a solution to Hylobius abietis in forest establishment |
Amount | £30,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 631132 |
Organisation | Innovate UK |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 02/2019 |
End | 07/2019 |
Description | Innovative Strategies for Prevention, Containment and Management of Emerging Pests Threatening EU Horticulture in Support of EU Plant Health Policy |
Organisation | Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | We lead bid to EU SFS-10-2017: Research and approaches for emerging pests and diseases in plants and terrestrial livestock. |
Collaborator Contribution | Partners in the bid |
Impact | Bid to EU SFS-10-2017: Research and approaches for emerging pests and diseases in plants and terrestrial livestock. Unfortunately the bid was unsuccessful. |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Innovative Strategies for Prevention, Containment and Management of Emerging Pests Threatening EU Horticulture in Support of EU Plant Health Policy |
Organisation | Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | Co-authored bid to Horizon 2020 call SFS-10-2017 |
Collaborator Contribution | Co-authored bid to Horizon 2020 call SFS-10-2017 |
Impact | Co-authored bid to Horizon 2020 call SFS-10-2017 January 2017, but unsuccessful |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Innovative Strategies for Prevention, Containment and Management of Emerging Pests Threatening EU Horticulture in Support of EU Plant Health Policy |
Organisation | East Malling Research |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | Co-authored bid to Horizon 2020 call SFS-10-2017 |
Collaborator Contribution | Co-authored bid to Horizon 2020 call SFS-10-2017 |
Impact | Co-authored bid to Horizon 2020 call SFS-10-2017 January 2017, but unsuccessful |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Innovative Strategies for Prevention, Containment and Management of Emerging Pests Threatening EU Horticulture in Support of EU Plant Health Policy |
Organisation | East Malling Research |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | We lead bid to EU SFS-10-2017: Research and approaches for emerging pests and diseases in plants and terrestrial livestock. |
Collaborator Contribution | Partners in the bid |
Impact | Bid to EU SFS-10-2017: Research and approaches for emerging pests and diseases in plants and terrestrial livestock. Unfortunately the bid was unsuccessful. |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Innovative Strategies for Prevention, Containment and Management of Emerging Pests Threatening EU Horticulture in Support of EU Plant Health Policy |
Organisation | French National Institute of Agricultural Research |
Country | France |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We lead bid to EU SFS-10-2017: Research and approaches for emerging pests and diseases in plants and terrestrial livestock. |
Collaborator Contribution | Partners in the bid |
Impact | Bid to EU SFS-10-2017: Research and approaches for emerging pests and diseases in plants and terrestrial livestock. Unfortunately the bid was unsuccessful. |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Innovative Strategies for Prevention, Containment and Management of Emerging Pests Threatening EU Horticulture in Support of EU Plant Health Policy |
Organisation | Julius Kuhn Institute |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Co-authored bid to Horizon 2020 call SFS-10-2017 |
Collaborator Contribution | Co-authored bid to Horizon 2020 call SFS-10-2017 |
Impact | Co-authored bid to Horizon 2020 call SFS-10-2017 January 2017, but unsuccessful |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Innovative Strategies for Prevention, Containment and Management of Emerging Pests Threatening EU Horticulture in Support of EU Plant Health Policy |
Organisation | Julius Kuhn Institute |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | We lead bid to EU SFS-10-2017: Research and approaches for emerging pests and diseases in plants and terrestrial livestock. |
Collaborator Contribution | Partners in the bid |
Impact | Bid to EU SFS-10-2017: Research and approaches for emerging pests and diseases in plants and terrestrial livestock. Unfortunately the bid was unsuccessful. |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Innovative Strategies for Prevention, Containment and Management of Emerging Pests Threatening EU Horticulture in Support of EU Plant Health Policy |
Organisation | University of Modena and Reggio Emilia |
Country | Italy |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We lead bid to EU SFS-10-2017: Research and approaches for emerging pests and diseases in plants and terrestrial livestock. |
Collaborator Contribution | Partners in the bid |
Impact | Bid to EU SFS-10-2017: Research and approaches for emerging pests and diseases in plants and terrestrial livestock. Unfortunately the bid was unsuccessful. |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Innovative Strategies for Prevention, Containment and Management of Emerging Pests Threatening EU Horticulture in Support of EU Plant Health Policy |
Organisation | University of Modena and Reggio Emilia |
Country | Italy |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Co-authored bid to Horizon 2020 call SFS-10-2017 |
Collaborator Contribution | Co-authored bid to Horizon 2020 call SFS-10-2017 |
Impact | Co-authored bid to Horizon 2020 call SFS-10-2017 January 2017, but unsuccessful |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Innovative Strategies for Prevention, Containment and Management of Emerging Pests Threatening EU Horticulture in Support of EU Plant Health Policy |
Organisation | Wageningen University & Research |
Country | Netherlands |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We lead bid to EU SFS-10-2017: Research and approaches for emerging pests and diseases in plants and terrestrial livestock. |
Collaborator Contribution | Partners in the bid |
Impact | Bid to EU SFS-10-2017: Research and approaches for emerging pests and diseases in plants and terrestrial livestock. Unfortunately the bid was unsuccessful. |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Novel Trapping Systems for Monitoring and Control of Hylobius abietis |
Organisation | Forest Research |
Department | Northern Research Station |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Assisted in preparation of bid to SBRI Challenge, approved January 2019, project 631132 |
Collaborator Contribution | Assisted in preparation of bid to SBRI Challenge, approved January 2019, project 631132 |
Impact | Project started February 2019 |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Novel Trapping Systems for Monitoring and Control of Hylobius abietis |
Organisation | Sentomol |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Assisted in preparation of bid to SBRI Challenge, approved January 2019, project 631132 |
Collaborator Contribution | Assisted in preparation of bid to SBRI Challenge, approved January 2019, project 631132 |
Impact | Project started February 2019 |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | "Leptotriene", a component of the male-produced aggregation pheromone of the western conifer seed bug, Leptoglossus occidentalis, an invasive pest of pine trees in Europe |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Presentation at International Congree of Entomology, Helsinki, Finland, July 2022 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://mesamalaria.org/updates/xxvi-international-congress-entomology-ice-2022 |
Description | Annual Meeting of Entomological Society of America (Portland, USA) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Paper presented on pine sawyer, Monochamus galloprovincialis, vector of pine wilt nematode. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Annual Meeting of International Society of Chemical Ecology, Stockholm, Sweden |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Presentations on trapping Monochamus beetles and Dioryctria cone pest |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | IOBC Meeting "Pheromones and Other SemioChemicals in Integrated Production", Jerusalem, Israel |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Gave plenary presentation on chemical ecology of Monochamus species and other lecture on Dioryctria |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Innovation in Plant Biosecurity 2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | International meeting organised at FERA. I could not attend personally but assisted our representative in preparation of a stand with video and other publicity material relating to our work on use of pheromone trapping for detection of invasive pests. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://fera.co.uk/agriculture-horticulture/biosecurity.cfm |
Description | Invasive Non-Native Species and Biocontrol Workshop, Hadlow College, 27 February 2020 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | A presentation was given Potential Use of Semiochemicals in Management of Oak Processionary Moth describing work at NRI on chemical ecology of invasive pests in general and oak processionary moth in particular, and outlining future research options |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Learning Platform 3 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Project Learning Platform meeting for Plant Health authroties, commercial companies, other academics and general public. Video shown describing work done in the project and impact.on use of pheromones for detecting invasive pests. Other presentations given and focus group discussions. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Learning Platform Workshop 1 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Interactive stakeholder workshop attended by over 60 tree health practitioners |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | OPM RESEARCH WORKSHOP organised by FERA and DEFRA, York 26 November 2019 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Presentation given Potential Use of Semiochemicals in Management of Oak Processionary Moth Options for future research were assessed and documented. A summary report was produced and project proposals are being drafted by the workshop participants |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | OPM Working Group, London |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Working group to review Defra projects on oak processionary moth (OPM). Contributed to programme; attended by >50 researchers and tree health practitioners |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Presentation to pine growers, Valladolid, Spain, June 2022 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | "Leptotriene", a component of the male-produced aggregation pheromone of the western conifer seed bug, Leptoglossus occidentalis, an invasive pest of pine trees in Europe David R Hall Laura Ponce-Herrero, Juan A Pajares Jocelyn G Millar, Yunfan Zou Presentation to pine growers by David Hall in Valladolid, Spain |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |