Strengthening phytosanitary skills: Detecting and controlling seed-borne pathogens

19 July 2024

The Virology and Germplasm Health Units of IITA and Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services (NAQS) organized a training course titled "Diagnostics and phytosanitary methods for the detection and elimination of seed-borne pathogens" from 10 to 14 June. The training included 15 early career staff responsible for pre- and post-entry quarantine from the NAQS.

The training course funded by the CGIAR Genebanks and Plant Health Initiatives focused on the biology and epidemiology of seed-borne pests, their impact on the global exchange of germplasm seeds, and the methods for detecting and controlling them.

The IITA Head of Virology and Molecular Diagnostics Units, Lava Kumar, introduced the participants to seed-borne pathogens and pests, explaining their risk to germplasm distribution. He also presented the principles of phytosanitation diagnostics for seed health assessment and the systems approach used at IITA to generate disease-free planting materials.

NAQS Post-entry Quarantine Station Head Dr A. O. Ogunfunmilayo highlighted NAQS and IITA's shared mission to prevent the transboundary spread of quarantine pests through the facilitation of pest-free germplasm seed exchanges.

Ogunfunmilayo commended IITA support and collaboration, particularly in capacity development and efforts to combat emerging threats such as the banana bunchy top virus (BBTV), fall armyworm, and others. "Our collaborative work is helping agricultural productivity, enhancing the export of quality agricultural products, and promoting food security in Africa," he added.

IITA West Africa Hub Director and Genetic Resources Center Head, Michael Abberton, lauded NAQS's role as a frontline plant protection against invasive pest and disease threats and the support it extends to IITA's research for development (R4D) mission by enabling the international distribution of germplasm and other bioresources.

The participants received hands-on training on detecting seed-borne pathogens. The training emphasized bioassays, microscopy, and molecular diagnostics techniques, including ELISA and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Additionally, participants learned about point-of-use rapid diagnostics methods such as LAMP and RPA. The Virology and GHU teams conducted hands-on training and organized field exercises on active growth stage inspections.

The workshop enlightened participants on interpreting diagnostic results and effectively managing data. It also showcased the collaborative efforts between IITA and NAQS to contain the spread of BBTV, as well as preparedness plans to counter threats such as cassava brown streak and maize lethal necrosis.

NAQS senior staff member Dr Shakiru Kazeem explained the quarantine monitoring procedures at border posts for exporting and importing biological materials.

NAQS Chief Superintendent Kolade Agbato, who was also a participant, expressed his commitment to leveraging this opportunity and applying the knowledge in his field at the post-entry level. "I would also pass the knowledge acquired to other trainees at NAQS to ensure Africa's food security," he stated.

Contributed by Anita Akinyomade

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