Recent disease outbreaks traced to vegetable crops contaminated with human pathogens have increased awareness of potential risks associated with vegetable production and heightened interest in the mechanisms by which human pathogens persist on plant surfaces. Colorado State University will host a two-day meeting on the topic of “Human Pathogens on Plants: Research and policy to protect vegetable crops from human pathogens” (HPOP). The meeting will include seminars by leaders in relevant areas of academic research and industry as well as discussions of policy and funding priorities.

Day 1 (October 20) will feature an overview of recent issues related to disease outbreaks traced to vegetable crops. There will be a session in the morning with the theme of “Basic Mechanisms of Pathogen Association with Plants”, and an afternoon session entitled “Applying Technology for Detection and Control of Pathogens”. Day 2 (October 21) will offer an opportunity to synthesize information and strategize future activities based on the information presented by experts on Day 1.

The American Phytopathological Society Public Policy Board will host a morning discussion program on research priorities, how plant pathologists and food safety people can work together, policy issues, and steps forward. A final wrap-up session will close the symposium before participants depart in the early afternoon to catch their flights. It is anticipated that attendees will include members of the regional academic community as well as a national audience of interested researchers, policy makers and representatives of funding agencies. For more information please visit the HPOP website at http://ansci.colostate.edu/content/view/686/42/.

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The American Phytopathological Society