Plant health: A quick overview of the past year
Sep 27, 2024
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Healthy plants serve as the cornerstone of Earth’s ecosystem, underpinning essential functions, food security, and nutritional well-being for all living organisms. Maintaining plant health is key to achieving the sustainable development of agriculture required to feed a growing global population by 2050 – protecting plant health means protecting human health.
This year is the third International Day of Plant Health (IDPH) – a day designated by the United Nations to raise awareness on the importance of protecting plant health to end hunger, reduce poverty, protect the environment and boost economic development.
There have been many important developments in the plant health field over the last year. Here we discuss some highlights.
EU Established a Plant Health Emergency Team to Protect Against Pest Threats
The EU Council and the European Parliament agreed on March 5 to revise the EU Plant Protection Law, aiming to simplify rules and combat new pests. A Plant Health Emergency Team will be established, consisting of experts appointed by the Commission, to help EU countries prevent the emergence of pathogens and support eradication efforts. The revised law also strengthens procedures for high-risk plants, simplifies reporting requirements, and increases digitalization.
Plant Health Takes Centre Stage at CPM-18
The 18th Session of the Commission of Phytosanitary Measures (CPM-18) concluded on the 19th of April with significant progress in advancing phytosanitary excellence and commitments to promote stronger and more efficient phytosanitary systems globally. The meeting, attended by nearly 400 delegates from around the world, discussed the global status of plant health and actions to improve phytosanitary systems and capacity worldwide. Key achievements include:
The adoption of modifications to four International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs).
The approval of a long-term funding model for the IPPC ePhyto Solution, which helps countries to trade faster and safer by replacing paper phytosanitary certificates with digital ones.
The endorsement of the Africa Phytosanitary Programme (APP) as an innovative approach empowering national governments with the technical capacity and support necessary to manage plant pests of regulatory, environmental, and economic significance effectively and consistently.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of sustainable funding, effective communications, international collaboration, and strategic discussions such as One Health.
Global Cooperation in Tackling Fusarium TR4
Fusarium TR4 is currently one of the greatest phytosanitary issues impacting fruit production worldwide. A tiny but aggressive fungus, TR4 has caused significant destruction to areas of banana production globally over the last few years. It can result in up to 100% yield loss in affected areas.
National plant protection organizations from various countries convened at a side session at CPM-18 to share their experiences in responding to Fusarium TR4 outbreaks to discuss the importance of early warning systems, containment, and simulation exercises in combating the disease. Countries such as Mozambique, Australia, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and Madagascar presented their strategies for containing TR4, including regular monitoring, emergency action plans, promoting tolerant banana varieties, involving local communities, and strengthening response capacity. The session highlighted the importance of public-private partnership, mobilization of resources, and collaboration among countries to combat TR4.
At the 4th Global Conference of The World Banana Forum (WBF), which took place in March earlier this year, the FAO also urged the importance of more cooperation in the banana sector. The FAO Director-General emphasised that variety diversification should be a key strategy to ensure the future of banana trade, but that acceptance of different varieties by retailers and consumers remains a challenge. Following this, the Conference is also organizing a Banana Diversity Tasting Event aimed at raising awareness about the importance of conserving and utilizing the genetic diversity of bananas.
The approval of genetically modified (GM) bananas in Australia and New Zealand provides new hope for the banana industry. In a ground-breaking development, regulators in Australia and New Zealand have approved the commercial cultivation of a banana known as QCAV-4, which is designed to be resistant to TR4, providing new hope for the banana industry.
New Biofungicide launched against TR4
The IDPH serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of protecting plant health to achieve global food security, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable development. Recent updates in the field highlight the progress made in combating phytosanitary threats, and demonstrate the power of collaboration in addressing common challenges. Innovative solutions offer new hope for the banana industry. Moving forward, it is essential to continue prioritizing plant health, fostering international cooperation, and investing in research and development to ensure a food-secure future for all.
References:
(2) https://www.ippc.int/en/news/cpm-18-builds-momentum-for-robust-global-plant-health-systems/
(6) https://east-fruit.com/en/horticultural-business/technologies/innoterra-says-new-banana-resists-tr4/
(7) Fusarium Wilt Disease Threatens Worldwide Banana Supply – Food Tank
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