PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Amy Steigman
American Phytopathological Society
Phone: +1.651.454.7250 
Web: www.apsnet.org
E-mail: asteigman@scisoc.org

Crop Biosecurity Discussed by Plant Pathologists

St. Paul, MN (October 8, 1999) - When we think of terrorist targets, we think of embassies, federal buildings - perhaps even subways and other public places. Agriculture does not spring to mind as a prime target, yet it is a critical part of our national infrastructure. A deliberate introduction of a virus, bacteria, or fungus that attacks our crop plants could severely impact our nation's food production and international trade.

Plant pathologists recently met with anti-bioterrorism experts at a symposium hosted by the American Phytopathological Society (APS) to discuss how best to guard against such an attack. Now, highlights of this symposium along with additional links and materials, are being featured on the APS "Crop Biosecurity" feature page located at www.apsnet.org/online/feature/biosecurity. Topics include historical perspectives on bioterrorism, identification and fingerprinting of pathogens, risk assessment, ground surveillance, and protection of infrastructure.

Defense experts believe that preparedness for an attack is a strong deterrent in and of itself. An interactive online discussion, looking at possible strategies for preparation, is also part of the feature webpage. One such strategy could focus on the development of a global electronic system to track new and emerging plant pathogens. "If we are to reduce the potential of these attacks, we must be able to discriminate between naturally occurring disease events and those which may be deliberately introduced," says Norm Schaad, USDA plant pathologist and APS member. Other measures include the development of rapid diagnostic tests to help stop such an event in its early stages.

For more information make sure to check out the APS  feature story at www.apsnet.org/online/feature/biosecurity. The American Phytopathological Society (APS) is a professional scientific organization dedicated to the study and control of plant disease with 5,000 members worldwide. For more information on APS, contact APS Headquarters at +1.651.454.7250 or aps@scisoc.org.