The Plant Pathogen and Disease Detection Committee is composed of APS members interested in issues related to detection of plant pathogens and diseases. The committee provides a forum for discussions on current issues related to the detection of new diseases, and exotic or emerging pathogens, or pathogens of quarantine or regulatory interest. The committee provides a mechanism for discussions and updates on new detection methods and technologies by sponsoring symposia, workshops or special sessions at the APS annual meetings. Topics covered in these discussions include advances in the methods of detection, the use of biochemical, molecular, physical characteristics of the disease or pathogen in detection, and measures to increase sensitivity, accuracy, precision, reproducibility and accountability in disease detection. The committee also intends to provide information on subject matter experts in the field of plant pathogen and disease detection by establishing a database of researchers with corresponding specialty including crop(s) and detection technologies.