Testa - EPPO Conference on diagnostics for plant pests

Conclusions and recommendations from the TESTA part of the Conference

Participants:

• Welcomed the outcomes of the TESTA project in particular the activities related to test development and validation, methods to determine if the pest is viable, and validation of extraction methods for nematodes.
• Were satisfied that consideration had been given to the establishment of sampling plans taking into account variation in the sample and performance of a test. They reiterated the recommendations made at the previous Conference on Diagnostics that sampling methodology prior to testing was critical and recommended that this should be given more attention.
• Noted that there is a need for further collaboration between the public and private sector for test development, as well as for internationally interlaboratory validated tests. They noted that tests developed in TESTA will be considered for inclusion in EPPO and ISTA protocols.
• Agreed that it would be valuable to prolong the collaboration initiated in TESTA through other mechanisms e.g. Euphresco, ISHI, ISTA, EPPO.
• Agreed that it would be valuable to further disseminate the knowledge acquired through the project.
• Noted that the issue of biological relevance of a level of detection was a complex issue but should be considered when developing and using tests.

Recommendations from the EPPO Diagnostics part of the Conference

• The capability to quickly and reliably detect and identify pests is critical for effective phytosanitary measures to be taken. Laboratories are increasingly working under quality assurance systems (including accreditation) and need to have access to validated tests. In order to ensure proper development, validation and effective and reliable use of tests, access to reference material is essential. It is essential that the infrastructure in Plant Health is strengthened. In this respect the results of the Q-collect were noted.
• New technology and tools can present many advantages (for example speed, high sensitivity, adaptability for high throughput) but also presents new challenges such as how to validate them & use under accreditation. Examples of ways to address some of these new challenges and of the new types of controls that will be needed (for example for sequencing including data analysis) were appreciated and will be considered when revising PM 7/98(2) Specific requirements for laboratories preparing accreditation for a plant pest diagnostic activity.
• At the EPPO Diagnostics Conference in 2012 it was stated that: The consequences of continuing evolution in diagnostic techniques and taxonomy on phytosanitary regulations should be considered further. The Participants agreed that this recommendation is still valid and encouraged EPPO to stimulate exchanges of views on this issue in its meetings.
• The circumstances of use of on-site analysis versus laboratory analysis require further discussion with NPPOs.
• The Conference considered that it is essential that the development of harmonized diagnostic protocols continues.
• It was noted that it is important that tests are validated in other laboratories, not just in the laboratories in which they were developed. This is one of the reasons test performance studies are so important.
• The importance of social engagement, in particular the need to consider stakeholder involvement, in the development and testing of new technologies, was recognised in order to optimise uptake and longer term collaboration.