PHRAME
Development of improved pest risk analysis techniques for quarantine organisms using pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, in Portugal as a model

The detection of pinewood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, in Portugal has increased the threat to the EU from this extremely dangerous pest. The Consortium will improve current Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) methodology by:
(1) Gathering data on

Objectives
The key objective for this project is to develop an improved Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) methodology that can be used at both local and regional scales to assess the significance of a plant health threat and, by use of a core model, to assess the conseque

Progress to Date
Rapidly increasing knowledge of the biology, ecology and dynamics of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and its vectors in the genus Monochamus. Progress has been extremely good and there is already much increased information on the biology of Monochamus galloprovincialis in Portugal and its capacity to carry B. xylophilus between trees.
Pathogenicity and expression of wilt symptoms in susceptible trees is now being studied in great details, aided by the refined DNA techniques to provide certainty in the identities of species and races of nematodes.
Techniques to assess early expression of wilt symptoms will aid both survey and experimental work in the affected zone of Portugal and elsewhere.
Improved literature collation and development of improved means of electronic communication will help to disseminate results of the work of the Consortium both directly and through its website.
Models to link tree growth processes to environmental parameters and climatic variables are being developed and will be applied to the pinewood nematode system. Beneficiaries at this stage are mainly the scientific community through contacts by members of the Consortium. An important additional benefit is good interaction with the Portuguese authorities who are fully aware of the progress of the work and are contributing to the information flow in both directions.

Classified in CROP PESTS AND DISEASES, QUANTITATIVE APPROACHES AND MODELLING

Scientist responsible for the project