Grant Information
| Knowledge Area | Subject of Investigation | Field of Science | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 212 - Pathogens and Nematodes Affecting Plants | 199 - Soil and land, general | 1102 - Mycology | 60% |
| 211 - Insects, Mites, and Other Arthropods Affecting Plants | 199 - Soil and land, general | 1130 - Entomology and acarology | 10% |
| 212 - Pathogens and Nematodes Affecting Plants | 199 - Soil and land, general | 1100 - Bacteriology | 10% |
| 212 - Pathogens and Nematodes Affecting Plants | 199 - Soil and land, general | 1101 - Virology | 10% |
| 212 - Pathogens and Nematodes Affecting Plants | 199 - Soil and land, general | 1120 - Nematology | 10% |
The Southern Plant Diagnostic Network (SPDN) is one of five regional networks primarily comprised of land-grant institution plant diagnostic laboratories and associated personnel, plus one national private plant diagnostic laboratory that focuses on ornamentals. The objective of this network is to safeguard US agriculture and natural systems by enhancing the early detection, accurate diagnosis, and efficient reporting of new, emerging, important, and high-risk plant problems. This network accomplishes this objective through enhancement of laboratory capabilities, capacities, and personnel, as well as through the training of First Detectors in monitoring and secure sample submission. The Southern Plant Diagnostic Network comprises a partnership between USDA-NIFA and 14 land-grant institutions in the following states and U.S. territories: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. All five regional networks function as a hub-and-spoke system, whereby one institution takes the lead and serves as the expert and backup laboratory and financial and organizational hub for the entire region. The SPDN hub is at the University of Florida. The other four regions have their hubs at the following institutions: Northeast Plant Diagnostic Network, Cornell University; Great Plains Diagnostic Network, Kansas State University; North Central Plant Diagnostic Network, Michigan State University; and Western Plant Diagnostic Network, University of California, Davis.The charge of the SPDN is the diagnosis of and assistance with detection of select agents, high-risk pathogens and pests, and routine clinical samples in the region. In addition, the SPDN requires that all member labs submit diagnostic data to the NPDN national repository at CERIS/Purdue. Additionally, the SPDN continues to support regional communication and limited training of First Detectors, a program heavily leveraged with other federal and non-federal funding. And recently, the regional center is heavily involved in development and adoption of the STARD laboratory accreditation system, providing personnel time as well as funding for this effort. The SPDN partners with other disease detection and identification agencies such as APHIS, the IPM Centers, the National Plant Board, the Sentinel Plant Network (APGA), and others. These objectives support the national goals for the NPDN in diagnostics capability and capacity to increase early detection of high-impact plant problems.
We will submit all requireddiagnsotic data to the National Repository database.We will update, disseminate, and use SOPs for pathogen and pest diagnosis.We will sponsor and support technical training in specific pests/pathogens, as well as best laboratory practices for diagnosticians.We will author, present, and otherwise disseminate presentations and publications to educate First Detectors.We will update and maintain an online presence via the NPDN web portal, FirstDetector.org, and Facebook.
Target Audience
SPDN and NEPDN member laboratory personnel enter their diagnostic data into a number of different database interfaces, all tied to the NPDN national database through XML coding. Each diagnosis represents at least one target audience contact with extension clientele. In the time period of Sept 1 2020-August 31, 2021, SPDN member states diagnosed 59,342 samples and MA, ME, NH, and VT (NEPDN states served by the SPDN hub for this year) 2,490 samples. That these states processed more than 60,000 samples during a year of COVID-related shutdowns and staffing issues is remarkable. This is a testament to the fact that these labs serve the green industries and their state stakeholders, finding ways to meet their need even through a pandemic. SPDN members presented and published material focusing on introductory and advanced plant pathology, plant diagnostics, communication during detection events, Integrated Pest Management, and specific plant problems including the select and significant agents listed by APHIS, and other diseases and pests in 549 publications/presentations. These attendees represented grower groups, Master gardeners, crop consultants, pesticide applicators, graduate students, agricultural education teachers, first detectors, and colleagues in plant pathology, entomology, and other related fields. Diagnosticians are an additional target audience, and this funding allowed for opportunities for diagnosticians to attend professional development conferences.
Changes / Problems
The only major change to report is that of the effect of COVID:19: lab closures and distancing requirements pushed labs to innovate in staffing and response to clientele via virtual platforms. In-person trainings and meetings were postponed or switched to virtual platforms. Supply chain disruptions stalled some laboratory processes, but inspired the network to start an expertise, equipment, and consummables swap to assist in emergency situations, ensuring no disruption in the project or the services these valuable labs offer to their clientele. Overall, the impact of COVID-19 on the network's goals was not overly disruptive.
Training & Professional Development
All SPDN states sent diagnosticians to training opportunities to increase knowledge and potential for adoption of new methods or awareness of new organisms. Opportunities included the NPDN national meetings in 2016 and 2018, Kanuga ornamentals meetings, APS national and regional meetings, APHIS-sponsored trainings, and SPDN regional meetings, each with opportunities to share new methods and organism detections. The data in the accomplishments section indicates these opportunities were well-received and resulted in knowledge gained and behavior changes.
Dissemination Streams
SPDN member states directly benefit from the professional development of the region's diagnosticians. Reporting of these trainings, however, are often informal or through client contact mechanisms such as newsletters and grower meetings. Our websites, social media, and presentations during extension meetings disseminate our information to a wide variety of plant professionals. Additionally, each and every sample our labs process represents a point of contact with the public, plant industry, or other community of interest.
Next Reporting Steps
Nothing Reported
Target Audience
SPDN member laboratory personnel enter their diagnostic data into a number of different database interfaces, all tied to the NPDN national database through XML coding. Each diagnosis represents at least one target audience contact with extension clientele. In the time period of April 1, 2019 through March 31, 2020, member states diagnosed over 43,000 samples. SPDN members presented and published material focusing on introductory and advanced plant pathology, plant diagnostics, communication during detection events, Integrated Pest Management, and specific plant problems including the select and significant agents listed by APHIS, and other diseases and pests in 549 publications/presentations. These attendees represented grower groups, Master gardeners, crop consultants, pesticide applicators, graduate students, agricultural education teachers, first detectors, and colleagues in plant pathology, entomology, and other related fields. Diagnosticians are an additional target audience, and this funding allowed for 169 opportunities for diagnosticians to attend professional development conferences.
Changes / Problems
Nothing Reported
Training & Professional Development
The SPDN states were able to send the region's diagnosticians to multiple APHIS-sponsored trainings, thanks to travel funds made available through an agreement between APHIS and NIFA. SPDN members participated in more than two-dozen professional development opportunities, including workshop at the NPDN National Meeting in Indianapolis April 2019 and APHIS-led trainings in Beltsville for bioinformatics (Auburn and UF) and isothermal amplification (Auburn). Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, most of the Beltsville training sessions were postponed until 2021. Puerto Rico hosted an accreditation auditor training February 2020, led by Karen Snover-Clift and Dawn Daily-O'Brien from Cornell. Funds at the regional level supported diagnostician travel to workshops across the country, including two workshops at the SPDN-SDAPS-SIPMC joint meeting in Charleston, SC February 2020 and other topics such as Phytophthora, bioinformatics, and morphological ID of phytopathogenic fungi etc. Several states increased their capabilities with the adoption of new protocols (seven across SPDN states) and equipment (six items). Puerto Rico was accredited in February 2020, under the STARD standard, joining Texas and Florida for STARD-accredited labs in the SPDN. Many of the region's diagnosticians are heavily involved in training efforts for extension clientele, Master Gardeners, and other diagnosticians.
Dissemination Streams
SPDN members presented and published material focusing on introductory and advanced plant pathology, plant diagnostics, communication during detection events, Integrated Pest Management, and specific plant problems including the select and significant agents listed by APHIS, and other diseases and pests in 315 publications and 234 presentations/other works. The target audiences represented grower groups, master gardeners, crop consultants, graduate students, agricultural education teachers, first detectors, and colleagues in plant pathology, entomology, and other related fields.
Next Reporting Steps
The NPDN approved an update to the mission and goals of the NPDN in 2019 at the completion of strategic planning. In the section that follows, we offer details regarding the goals that relate to the mission: The National Plant Diagnostic Network is a premier diagnostic system with the ability to quickly detect and accurately identify plant pests and pathogens and to communicate timely and accurate information. DETECTION: Maintain integrity of SPDN early detection capacity. We will continue to support, encourage, and guide the SPDN partner laboratories and staff in maintaining and, when possible, increasing capacity for diagnostics and ID. The newly-formed Outreach and Education Committee will guide communications with First Detectors. DIAGNOSIS Laboratory capacity improvement. The SPDN regional center is committed to assisting partner laboratories in the region to replace worn or outdated equipment imperative to diagnosis in a modern lab (thermocyclers, microscopes) to support diagnostic capacity. These purchases will be limited to available funds, and will be encouraged as cost-shares with the participating institution. Emergency funds have been set aside to support this effort and surge in 2020-2021. Diagnostician professional development and training. At least one representative from each participating laboratory in the SPDN is expected to attend one professional development opportunity. Additionally, each state will be required to send at least one representative to the NPDN National meeting April 2021 in Davis, CA, which will be supported by the SPDN regional budget and will include workshops. Additionally, online professional development opportunities will be developed in 2020-2021 by the new Professional Development Committee. The regional center has set aside funds to support travel for nearly a dozen regional diagnosticians to attend professional development opportunities, including a "diagnostician exchange" program. REPORTING Diagnostic reporting. We will collaborate with colleagues at the National Repository at CERIS as needed. All states will continue to submit all data directly to the NPDN Repository in 2020-2021, following the updated standards for documenting confidence and method used. Network communications. SPDN Regional Center staff (Harmon and Jones) will continue to serve in present roles on Program Area Committees with NPDN and the region. Jones will continue to serve as Regional Director. Harmon will continue to serve as Executive Director for the NPDN Executive Committee and PI of the SPDN project. SPDN regional center staff will continue to coordinate surge, survey, funding, and other coordination of regional members as needed. Harmon will continue to serve as the project PI and will coordinate funding requests, allocations, and reporting. Harmon will continue to maintain content for the SPDN web site and Facebook page. Harmon will coordinate training activities for the SPDN diagnosticians. Pest alerts and regional news will be disseminated via email to the regional lists and via the SPDN Facebook page (maintained by the SPDN Associate Director). <br><br>
<br>What was accomplished under these goals? Alabama (Auburn) assisted with the detection of Cotton leafroll dwarf virus (CLRDV)in three other states, and diagnosed Veronicella cubensis and Vitacea polistiformes for the first time in the state. Arkansas (UA) purchased a new balance for the lab and detected boxwood blight for the first time in the state. Florida (UF) implemented two new diagnostic protocols and confirmed the presence of Cotton leafroll dwarf virus (CLRDV) with assistance from Auburn. UF and FDACS worked to confirm then eradicate ToBRFV in the state, and the UF-PDC processed nearly 3700 samples from across the country during a national APHIS surge survey for ToBRFV. Three new diseases in ornamentals are being confirmed and publications are in process. The UF-PDC (Harmon) taught an online course on plant disease management that had over 100 students, half of whom were international. And nearly two-dozen diagnostic professionals from across the Caribbean were trained during a week-long hands-on workshop in December as part of a partnership with CPDN and CISSIP. Georgia (UGA) had 21 new reports for the state, developed four new SOPs, and developed/adopted six new protocols via the new Molecular Diagnostic Lab in Tifton. Kentucky (UK) diagnosed five new infectious diseases on hemp, Colletotrichum coccodes on tomato, and laurel wilt on sassafras, all first reports for the state. UK also developed a new protocol for screening samples for Tobamoviruses and adopted a new method from UF for isolation of Raffalea lauricola from woody tissue for the diagnosis of laurel wilt. Additionally, UK invested heavily in the PDDL, with extensive renovation of the laboratory in 2019. Louisiana (LSU) reported Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on two new hosts in the state, as well as Septoria villarsiae on Nymphoides and Colletotrichum higginsianum on arugula, and developed and implemented a Taqman PCR assay for detection of boxwood dieback. Mississippi (MSU) detected Limonomyces roseipellis on Cynodon dactylon for the first time in the state and partnered with a municipal agency to screen 65 trees for Xylella fastidiosa to guide removal and replanting decisions. North Carolina (NCSU) had first-in-state detections of Erythricium salmonicolor, Alternaria vaccariicola, Dickeya dadantii, Septoria veronicae, Peronospora pulveracea, Veronicellidae sp., Puccinia sp. on hemp, and Trichoconiella sp. on rice. The NCSU NPDN collaborators leveraged diagnostic tools into more than a half-million dollars in grant-funded projects in 2019-2020, enhancing diagnosis and pest management capacity in NC and beyond. Puerto Rico (UPR) reported one first-in-US (Marasmiellus palmivorus on Annanas comosus) and 6 first-in-territory detections, Phytophthora nicotianae on tomato, Pleospora sp. on onion, Jatropha mosaic virus on cotton, Phoma sp. on asparagus, Botrytis cinerea on lettuce, and Fusarium semitectum on rice. The PR-PDC developed and implemented an SOP for seed detection of Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens subsp. flaccumfaciens, hosted auditor training in February 2020, and received full STARD accreditation, and is the only laboratory in Puerto Rico that supports the testing of citrus nurseries and groves. South Carolina (Clemson) reported the first detections in-state of Fusarium flower blight of hemp (Fusarium sp./spp.), Hemp russet mite (Aculops cannabicola), Lesser cornstalk borer on hemp (Elasmopalpus lignosellus), Zoysiagrass mite (Eriophyes zoysiae), Walnut twig beetle (Pityophthorus juglandis), Southern stem blight of Amarylllis (Sclerotium rolfsii), Ambrosia beetle (Oxoplatypus (Platypus) quadridentatus) on water oak, Leaf spot (Cristulariella sp./spp.) on Abelia, Ash rust (Puccinia sparganioides) on Salt Marsh Cord Grass, Cyclamen mite (Phytonemus (Steneotarsonemus) pallidus) on strawberry, Bacterial leaf spot (Burkholderia andropogonis, now Robbsia andropogonis) on Dianthus sp., and Bacterial bulb decay (Enterobacter cloacae) on Lily-of-the-Nile. The lab also adopted or improved three diagnostic methods/processes. Tennessee (UT) reported six new state finds: Raffaelea lauricola, Xyleborus glabratus, Haemaphysalis longicornis, Callyntrotus schlechtendali, Eriophyes eremus, and Uredo kriegeriana Syd. & P. Syd on hemp. Following initial detection of laurel wilt in the state, the UT and Tenn Dept. of Ag. staff mobilized and together collected and analyzed samples. Texas (TAMU) offered First Detector trainings that reached 3044 contacts. The lab reported three first-in-state finds: Grape Virus M, CLRDV in cotton, and Cotton Leaf Curl Gezira virus (which was also a first in the US), and performed 621 phytosanitary and survey tests for citrus, resulting in detections that expanded HLB and citrus canker quarantine zones in TX. Additionally, the lab deployed a diagnostic protocol for RRD to 4 NPDN labs and 1 EU regulatory lab, improved and deployed (with UF) a protocol for palm phytoplasmas, and is testing new e-SEM protocols for diagnostics. US Virgin Islands (UVI) Uploaded one sample to the repository this year, an indication of intent, but also a demonstration that the current infrastructure in the Virgin Islands cannot facilitate data entry in addition to the many other pest detection, diagnosis, and management roles of the UVI collaborator. Amy Dreves participated in hands-on diagnostic training at the SPDN regional lab at UF, increasing capabilities for USVI, and obtaining reference materials such as Compendia and IPM guides relevant to Caribbean crops. Virginia (VaTech) reported a new US record (Uredo kriegeriana on Cannabis sativa) and new state record Verticillium dahlia on Ailanthus altissima, optimized and implemented a lab-research-developed protocol for 3 grapevine viruses, using RT-PCR (Grapevine Leaf Roll associated Virus-2 and -3) and PCR (Grapevine Red Blotch Virus), and implemented two Rose Rosette Virus protocols from TAMU. <br><br><b>Publications</b><br>
Target Audience
SPDN member laboratory personnel enter their diagnostic data into a number of different database interfaces, all tied to the NPDN national database through XML coding. Each diagnosis represents at least one target audience contact with extension clientele. In the time period of April 1, 2018 through April 1, 2019, member states diagnosed over 55,000 samples. SPDN members presented and published material focusing on introductory and advanced plant pathology, plant diagnostics, communication during detection events, Integrated Pest Management, and specific plant problems including the select andsignificant agents listed by APHIS, and other diseases and pests in 623 publications/presentations viewed or attended by over 306,000 attendees. These attendees represented grower groups, Master gardeners, crop consultants, pesticide applicators, graduate students, agricultural education teachers, first detectors, and colleagues in plant pathology, entomology, and other related fields. Diagnosticians are an additional target audience, and this funding allowed for 145 opportunities for diagnosticians to attend professional development conferences.
Changes / Problems
Nothing Reported
Training & Professional Development
The SPDN laboratories had 17 members who obtained Phytophthora ramorum (SOD), huánglóngbìng (HLB), and/or PPV certification via the provisional approval NPPLAP certification through APHIS-PPQ-CPHST. Additionally, the SPDN states were able to send the region's diagnosticians to multiple APHIS-sponsored trainings, thanks to travel funds made available through an agreement between APHIS and NIFA. The SPDN regional center made additional funds available for travel for diagnosticians to other training opportunities across the country. These trainings included topics such as Phytophthora, bioinformatics, and morphological ID of phytopathogenic fungi etc. Diagnosticians also attended other training sessions concerning molecular techniques and diseases of local significance. Many of the region's diagnosticians are heavily involved in training efforts for extension clientele, Master Gardeners, and other diagnosticians, here in the US and abroad.
Dissemination Streams
SPDN member states directly benefit from the professional development of the region's diagnosticians. Reporting of these trainings, however, are often informal or through client contact mechanisms such as newsletters and grower meetings. Our websites, social media, and presentations during extension meetings disseminate our information to a wide variety of plant professionals. Additionally, each and every sample our labs process represents a point of contact with the public, plant industry, or other community of interest.
Next Reporting Steps
Detection: First Detector-type education is important as part of the extension mission of most of our labs, but will continue to be supported through suplemental funding on a case-by-case basis for the time being. Development of new assays and pest and disease information for extension clientele and NPDN diagnosticians remains a priority and will be further developed within the new strategic areas defined by the strategic planning working groups. Diagnostics: Submission of all plant pathology laboratory data will continue. Additionally, several states will contribute data from secondary pathology laboratories and entomology/nematology laboratories. Data submission is required for member laboratories in the NPDN. (see the Policies section, Section E, below) Florida has subscribed to PClinic beginning in 2012 to reduce diagnostic database costs (seven UF labs are supported at a total cost of $3,200 per year). Several other states in the region also use Pclinic now as a cost-efficient LIMS. Three states will need to find a new LIMS since DDDI is folding, and the NPDN regional center is actively facilitating this process. We will support and encourage diagnosticians to attend all training available from APHIS, universities and others, as funding permits. We will coordinate sample movement and surge, and provide all updated SOPs and protocols on a timely basis. SPDN members and the SPDN Associate Director will update and/or author new SOPs as needed. Bec will participate in NPDN Diagnostics Subcommittee conference calls, representing the SPDN hub lab.Harmon will coordinate training activities for the SPDN diagnosticians. Although the scope of work for 2019-2020 is limited, and will be guided by strategic planning changes to the system, the SPDN remains committed to supporting the continued development and application of laboratory accreditation. We will encourage the adoption of the new accreditation system, pending design and appropriate funding. The regional hub lab will continue to utilize the STARD management system as part of its accreditation, until the new system is in place. The SPDN Associate Director will continue to update and support SPDN state laboratories by sharing documentation and guidance. Reporting: Harmon will continue to support a SPDN Facebook presence (https://www.facebook.com/SouthernPlantDiagnosticNetwork) for managing communication of pest alerts and workshops. The SPDN web portal (http://npdn.org/spdn) has been updated by CERIS with content provided by PI Harmon. First Detector workshop registrations, the Crop Biosecurity Curriculum web site, and the eLearning database has been moved to a server block maintained by the NPDN/CERIS group at Purdue University. Each state maintains its own diagnostics data connections to point directly from each state to the NPDN Repository. Reduced funding has forced us to minimally support the databases for training and education; development of any new modules will continue to be through other sources of funds.SPDN Regional Center staff (Harmon and Jones) will continue to serve in present roles within the region. Jones will continue to serve as SPDN Regional Director and as such, will serve on the NPDN Executive and Operations Committees and the STARD Board. Harmon will begin to serve as Executive Director of the NPDN in August 2019 and will continue to coordinate surge, survey, funding, and other coordination of regional members as needed. Harmon will continue to serve as the project PI and will coordinate funding requests, allocations, and reporting. The SPDN will serve on various committees for planning the next national NPDN meeting (spring 2021) and regional SPDN meeting in spring 2020. <br><br>
<br>What was accomplished under these goals? SPDN members presented and published material focusing on introductory and advanced plant pathology, plant diagnostics, communications during detection events, the NPDN, and specific plant problems including the select and significant agents listed by APHIS, and insect pests in over 250 publications/presentations. SPDN member labs processed over 55,000 diagnostic samples, hundreds of which were new reports in the national database. Ten SPDN states recorded first reports at the state, regional, and even national level. In Alabama, three routine samples ended up as first reports (pathogen or pest) for the state, 12 in Florida, 16 in Georgia, 18 in Louisiana, six in North Carolina, four in Puerto Rico, 12 in Tennessee, seven in Texas, and 12 were reported in Virginia. The SPDN laboratories had 17 members who obtained Phytophthora ramorum (SOD), huánglóngbìng (HLB), and/or PPV certification via the provisional approval NPPLAP certification through APHIS-PPQ-CPHST. Southeast laboratories have the capability to receive over 2,600 extra HLB samples, over 2,700 extra Phytophthora ramorum samples, 2,100 extra PPVsamples, 350 phytoplasma samples, and 500 Ralstonia spp. samples. In addition to these organisms, SPDN laboratories can provide surge capacity for Dickeya spp., citrus canker, and viruses such as SCMV and CGMMV. Several states utilized the regional center's surge capacity during the 2018-2019 year. Additionally, the SPDN states were able to send the region's diagnosticians to multiple APHIS-sponsored trainings, thanks to travel funds made available through an agreement between APHIS and NIFA. The SPDN regional center made additional funds available for travel for diagnosticians to other training opportunities across the country. These trainings included topics such as Phytophthora, bioinformatics, and morphological ID of phytopathogenic fungi etc. Diagnosticians also attended other training sessions concerning molecular techniques and diseases of local significance. Additionally, the SPDN regional hub lab retained and the Texas TPPDL lab obtained STARD accreditation. Many of the region'sdiagnosticians are heavily involved in training efforts for extension clientele, Master Gardeners, and other diagnosticians, here in the US and abroad. <br><br><b>Publications</b><br>
Target Audience
SPDN member laboratory personnel enter their diagnostic data into a number of different database interfaces, all tied to the NPDN national database through XML coding. Each diagnosis represents at least one target audience contact with extension clientele. In the time period of April 1, 2017 through April 1, 2018, member states diagnosed 58,796 samples. As part of our network communications, SPDN continued to participate in the NPDN First Detector training and education program. SPDN members conducted 238 FD training sessions for First Detectors for a total of over 21,000 First Detectors. The quizzes that accompany all the online modules were taken 352 times between April 1, 2017 and April 1, 2018. SPDN members presented and published material focusing on introductory and advanced plant pathology, plant diagnostics, communication during detection events, Integrated Pest Management, and specific plant problems including the select and significant agents listed by APHIS, and other diseases and pests in 94 publications/presentations viewed or attended by over 47,000 attendees. These attendees represented grower groups, Master gardeners, crop consultants, pesticide applicators, graduate students, agricultural education teachers, first detectors, and colleagues in plant pathology, entomology, and other related fields. Diagnosticians are an additional target audience, and this funding allowed the training and publishing of standard operating procedures for more than 80 diagnosticians.
Changes / Problems
Nothing Reported
Training & Professional Development
The SPDN laboratories had 21 members who obtained Phytophthora ramorum (SOD), huánglóngbìng (HLB), and/or PPV certification via the provisional approval NPPLAP certification through APHIS-PPQ-CPHST. Additionally, the SPDN states were able to send the region's diagnosticians to multiple APHIS-sponsored trainings, thanks to travel funds made available through an agreement between APHIS and NIFA. The SPDN regional center made additional funds available for travel for diagnosticians to other training opportunities across the country. These trainings included topics such as Phytophthora, bioinformatics, and morphological ID of phytopathogenic fungi etc. Diagnosticians also attended other training sessions concerning molecular techniques and diseases of local significance. Additionally, the SPDN regional hub lab retained the STARD accreditation. Virginia is also working toward STAR-D and wrote 51 quality laboratory documents. Many of the region's diagnosticians are heavily involved in training efforts for extension clientele, Master Gardeners, and other diagnosticians, here in the US and abroad.
Dissemination Streams
SPDN member states directly benefit from the professional development of the region's diagnosticians. Reporting of these trainings, however, are often informal or through client contact mechanisms such as newsletters and grower meetings. Our websites, social media, and presentations during extension meetings disseminate our information to a wide variety of plant professionals. Additionally, each and every sample our labs process represents a point of contact with the public, plant industry, or other community of interest.
Next Reporting Steps
1. Diagnostics: Submission of all plant pathology laboratory data will continue. Additionally, several states will contribute data from secondary pathology laboratories and entomology/nematology laboratories. Data submission is required for member laboratories in the NPDN. (see the Policies section, Section E, below) Florida has subscribed to PClinic beginning in 2012 to reduce diagnostic database costs (four UF labs are supported at a total cost of $1,800 per year). We will support and encourage diagnosticians to attend all training available from APHIS, universities and others, as funding permits. We will coordinate sample movement and surge, and provide all updated SOPs and protocols on a timely basis. SPDN members and the SPDN Associate Director will update and/or author new SOPs as needed. Bec will participate in NPDN Diagnostics Subcommittee conference calls, representing the SPDN hub lab. The UG-99 SOP (Harmon) is in final approval stages, awaiting communication plan approval with APHIS. 2. IT and Data management: Harmon will continue to support a SPDN Facebook presence (https://www.facebook.com/SouthernPlantDiagnosticNetwork) for managing communication of pest alerts and workshops. The SPDN web portal (www.sepdn.org) has been updated by Harmon. First Detector workshop registrations, the Crop Biosecurity Curriculum web site, and the eLearning database has been moved to a server block maintained by the NPDN/CERIS group at Purdue University. Each state maintains its own diagnostics data connections to point directly from each state to the NPDN Repository. Reduced funding has forced us to minimally support the databases for training and education; development of any new modules will continue to be through other sources of funds. 3. Communications: SPDN Regional Center staff (Harmon and Jones) will continue to serve in present roles on Program Area Committees with NPDN and the region. Jones will continue to serve as SPDN Regional Director and as such, will serve on the NPDN Executive and Operations Committees and the STARD Board. Harmon will continue to serve as Secretary for the NPDN Executive Committee and PI of the SPDN project, and will continue to coordinate surge, survey, funding, and other coordination of regional members as needed. Harmon will continue to serve as the project PI and will coordinate funding requests, allocations, and reporting. The SPDN will serve on various committees for planning the next national NPDN meeting and regional SPDN meeting in spring 2019. Rachel McCarthy, of the Communications Working Group, will continue to provide support on a part-time basis. McCarthy will coordinate updates and information technology issues associated with the NPDN Training and Education website (www.firstdetector.org) and will continue to seek external sources for further grant support of the NPDN Training program. McCarthy will serve as the lead contact for CEU and website questions in regards to the NPDN training site. The regional budget will support the database servers, IT support through UF/IFAS IT to keep the scaffolding of the NPDN First Detector training program in place, however, development of new modules or content will continue to be supported externally. Harmon will coordinate training activities for the SPDN diagnosticians. 4. STAR-D Lab Accreditation: Although the scope of work for 2018-2019 is limited, the SPDN remains committed to supporting the continued development and application of STAR-D. We will encourage the adoption of the STAR-D, pending appropriate funding. The regional hub lab will continue to utilize the STARD management system as part of its accreditation. The SPDN Associate Director will continue to update and disseminate the current draft STAR-D manual and auditing checklist, and will support SPDN state laboratories by sharing documentation and guidance. Harmon will continue to serve as a trained auditor and will attend further training and/or gap/accreditation audits with available funds. <br><br>
<br>What was accomplished under these goals? SPDN members presented and published material focusing on introductory and advanced plant pathology, plant diagnostics, communications during detection events, the NPDN, and specific plant problems including the select and significant agents listed by APHIS, and insect pests in 238 publications/presentations. SPDN member labs processed over 58,000 diagnostic samples, hundreds of which were new reports in the national database. Nine SPDN states recorded first reports at the state, regional, and even national level. In Alabama, four routine samples ended up as first reports (pathogen or pest) for the state, one in Arkansas, four in Florida, seven in North Carolina, four in Puerto Rico, one in South Carolina, two in Tennessee, 15 in Texas, and three were reported in Virginia. The SPDN laboratories had 21 members who obtained Phytophthora ramorum (SOD), huánglóngbìng (HLB), and/or PPV certification via the provisional approval NPPLAP certification through APHIS-PPQ-CPHST. Southeast laboratories have the capability to receive over 1,600 extra HLB samples, over 2,100 extra Phytophthora ramorum samples, 1,100 extra PPV samples, 350 Phytoplasma samples, and 400 Ralstonia spp. samples. In addition to these organisms, SPDN laboratories can provide surge capacity for Africanized honeybees, Dickeya spp., and citrus canker. Several states utilized the regional center's surge capacity during the 2017-2018 year. Additionally, the SPDN states were able to send the region's diagnosticians to multiple APHIS-sponsored trainings, thanks to travel funds made available through an agreement between APHIS and NIFA. The SPDN regional center made additional funds available for travel for diagnosticians to other training opportunities across the country. These trainings included topics such as Phytophthora, bioinformatics, and morphological ID of phytopathogenic fungi etc. Diagnosticians also attended other training sessions concerning molecular techniques and diseases of local significance. Additionally, the SPDN regional hub lab retained the STARD accreditation. Many of the region's diagnosticians are heavily involved in training efforts for extension clientele, Master Gardeners, and other diagnosticians, here in the US and abroad. <br><br><b>Publications</b><br>
Target Audience
SPDN member laboratory personnel enter their diagnostic data into a number of different database interfaces, all tied to the NPDN national database through XML coding. Each diagnosis represents at least one target audience contact with extension clientele. In the time period of September 1, 2016 through June 2, 2017, member states diagnosed 25,941 samples. As part of our network communications, SPDN continued to participate in the NPDN First Detector training and education program. SPDN members conducted 316 FD training sessions for First Detectors for a total of 19,477 First Detectors. There were a total of 213 online users of www.firstdetector.org who completed 1,733 online modules during this time period. SPDN members presented and published material focusing on introductory and advanced plant pathology, plant diagnostics, communication during detection events, the NPDN, and specific plant problems including the select and significant agents listed by APHIS, laurel wilt, boxwood blight, and insect pests in 383 publications/presentations viewed or attended by over 35,000 attendees. These attendees represented grower groups, Master gardeners, crop consultants, pesticide applicators, graduate students, agricultural education teachers, first detectors, and colleagues in plant pathology, entomology, and other related fields. Diagnosticians are an additional target audience and this funding made it possible for diagnosticians to attend trainings, meetings, and workshops including the NPDN IT Diagnosticians Meeting at Purdue University, American Phytopathological Society Annual Meeting, SPDN Annual Meeting, Bioinformatics workshop in Beltsville MD, QMS workshop, and Phytoplasmas for Plant Pathogens workshop in Beltsville MD.
Changes / Problems
Nothing Reported
Training & Professional Development
The SPDN hub laboratory's Laboratory Manager and two assistant diagnosticians obtained citrus greening and sudden oak death NPLAPP certification for another year, supporting our mission to be prepared for surge samples from the SPDN or other states. Several states utilized the regional center's surge capacity during the 2016-2017 year. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service had diagnosticians that obtained certification for citrus greening detection; and University of Alabama- Auburn and Clemson University passed the Phytophthora ramorum panel. Additionally, the SPDN regional center was able to send the region's diagnosticians to multiple APHIS-sponsored, thanks to travel funds made available through an agreement between APHIS and NIFA. These trainings included topics such as Phytophthora, plum pox virus (PPV), phytoplasmas, citrus greening, laboratory accreditation, bioinformatics, etc. Diagnosticians also attended other training sessions concerning molecular techniques and diseases of local significance. Many of the region's diagnosticians are heavily involved in training efforts for extension clientele, Master Gardeners, and other diagnosticians, here in the US and abroad. Additionally, the SPDN regional hub lab retained the STARD accreditation by completing successful internal audits. Several SPDN diagnostic staff attended STARD auditor training in spring 2017. Texas is on the verge of completing STAR-D accreditation and has had two additional TPDDL personnel trained on QMS STAR-D.
Dissemination Streams
SPDN member states directly benefit from the professional development of the region's diagnosticians. Reporting of these trainings, however, are often informal or through client contact mechanisms such as newsletters and grower meetings. Our websites, social media, and presentations during extension meetings disseminate our information to a wide variety of plant professionals. Additionally, each and every sample our labs process represents a point of contact with the public, plant industry, or other community of interest.
Next Reporting Steps
1. Diagnostics: Submission of all plant pathology laboratory data will continue. Additionally, several states will contribute data from secondary pathology laboratories and entomology/nematology laboratories. Data submission is required for member laboratories in the NPDN. (see the Policies section, Section E, below) Florida has subscribed to PClinic beginning in 2012 to reduce diagnostic database costs (four UF labs are supported at a total cost of $1,600 per year). We will support and encourage diagnosticians to attend all training available from APHIS, universities and others, as funding permits. We will coordinate sample movement and surge, and provide all updated SOPs and protocols on a timely basis. SPDN members and the SPDN Associate Director will update and/or author new SOPs as needed. Bec will participate in NPDN Diagnostics Subcommittee conference calls, representing the SPDN hub lab. The UG-99 SOP (Harmon) is in final approval stages, awaiting communication plan approval with APHIS. 2. IT and Data management: Harmon will continue to support a SPDN Facebook presence (https://www.facebook.com/SouthernPlantDiagnosticNetwork) for managing communication of pest alerts and workshops. The SPDN web portal (www.sepdn.org) is a sub-page of the national portal and has been updated by Harmon. First Detector workshop registrations, the Crop Biosecurity Curriculum web site, and the eLearning database will continue to be hosted on a server block maintained by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Information Technologies Office (operating on Microsoft SQL Server DBMS). Each state maintains its own diagnostics data connections to point directly from each state to the NPDN Repository, bypassing the SPDN regional database in an effort to cut costs. This has reduced the server support and maintenance to just those needed for the training systems. Reduced funding has forced us to minimally support the databases for training and education; development of any new modules will continue to be through other sources of funds. Diagnostic data entry may be slightly slower due to reduced staff at most of the diagnostic laboratories. 3. Communications: SPDN Regional Center staff (Harmon and Jones) will continue to serve in present roles on Program Area Committees with NPDN and the region. Jones will continue to serve as SPDN Regional Director and as such, will serve on the NPDN Executive and Operations Committees and the STARD Board. Harmon will continue to serve as Secretary for the NPDN Executive Committee and PI of the SPDN project, and will continue to coordinate surge, survey, funding, and other coordination of regional members as needed. Harmon will continue to serve as the project PI and will coordinate funding requests, allocations, and reporting. Rachel McCarthy will continue to provide support on a part-time basis as the NPDN Training and Education Program Area Manager. McCarthy will coordinate updates and information technology issues associated with the NPDN Training and Education website (www.firstdetector.org) and will continue to seek external sources for further grant support of the NPDN Training program. McCarthy will serve as the lead contact for CEU and website questions in regards to the NPDN training site. Harmon will coordinate training activities for the SPDN diagnosticians. 4. STAR-D Lab Accreditation: Although the scope of work for 2016-2017 is limited, the SPDN remains committed to supporting the continued development and application of STAR-D. We will encourage the adoption of the STAR-D, pending appropriate funding. The regional hub lab will continue to utilize the STARD management system as part of its accreditation, and pending availability of funds, will assist with performing two more audits within the NPDN. The SPDN Associate Director will continue to update and disseminate the current draft STAR-D manual and auditing checklist, and will support SPDN state laboratories by sharing documentation and guidance. Harmon will continue to serve as a trained auditor and will attend further training and/or gap/accreditation audits with available funds. Jones will serve on the temporary STAR-D accreditation board (comprising the current regional directors until funding can be identified to broaden the group's representation). <br><br>
<br>What was accomplished under these goals? SPDN members presented and published material focusing on introductory and advanced plant pathology, plant diagnostics, communications during detection events, the NPDN, and specific plant problems including the select and significant agents listed by APHIS, laurel wilt, boxwood blight, and insect pests in 383 publications/presentations. Several of these were coordinated projects with Protect US and the Sentinel Plant Network. SPDN member labs entered 25,941 diagnostic reports into the NPDN Repository, hundreds of which were new reports in the national database. Several SPDN states recorded first reports at the state, regional, and even national level. For example, in Alabama, two routine samples ended up as first reports (pathogen or pest) for the state, and three were first reports in Florida, nine in Louisiana, 13 in Mississippi, four in North Carolina, two in Puerto Rico, 70 in South Carolina, and 24 were reported in Virginia. The SPDN hub laboratory's Laboratory Manager and two assistant diagnosticians obtained citrus greening and sudden oak death NPLAPP certification for another year, supporting our mission to be prepared for surge samples from the SPDN or other states. Several states utilized the regional center's surge capacity during the 2016-2017 year. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service had diagnosticians that obtained certification for citrus greening detection; and University of Alabama- Auburn and Clemson University passed the Phytophthora ramorum panel. Additionally, the SPDN regional center was able to send the region's diagnosticians to multiple APHIS-sponsored, thanks to travel funds made available through an agreement between APHIS and NIFA. These trainings included topics such as Phytophthora, plum pox virus (PPV), phytoplasmas, citrus greening, laboratory accreditation, bioinformatics, etc. Diagnosticians also attended other training sessions concerning molecular techniques and diseases of local significance. Additionally, the SPDN regional hub lab retained the STARD accreditation by completing successful internal audits. Many of the region's diagnosticians are heavily involved in training efforts for extension clientele, Master Gardeners, and other diagnosticians, here in the US and abroad. <br><br><b>Publications</b><br>