CGIAR System Organization - Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers
CGIAR System Organization - Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers
07/22/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/22/2024 11:28
Strengthening phytosanitary skills: Detecting and controlling seed-borne pathogens
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.