Research need
This small research activity aims to improve management of emerging pests and diseases of horticultural crops in Pacific island countries by enhancing knowledge and strengthening capacity for plant health and biosecurity response systems.
ACIAR has supported several collaborative research and development initiatives between Australian and Pacific partners to strengthen integrated pest and disease management. Two projects in particular (HORT/2010/090 and HORT/2016/185) delivered sustainable control approaches for farmers, which encompassed biocontrol and pesticide resistance management strategies, the introduction of plant health clinics and the release of disease-resistant vegetables. However, it has been a significant challenge to design and implement sustainable strategies against a background of reduced national and regional resources.
Contributing to Pacific biosecurity, this project will identify practical steps to strengthen plant health and biosecurity systems and strengthen capacity of universities to train extension staff, undertake research and share information.
