Source: UNIVERSITY OF MAINE submitted to NRP
UMAINE NORTHEASTERN REGIONAL CENTER NPDN 2022-2026
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
ACTIVE
Funding Source
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1029196
Grant No.
2022-37621-38276
Cumulative Award Amt.
$1,610,671.00
Proposal No.
2022-06105
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Sep 1, 2022
Project End Date
Aug 31, 2026
Grant Year
2024
Program Code
[AA-G]- Homeland Security
Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF MAINE
(N/A)
ORONO,ME 04469
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
The National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN) is a premier diagnostic system with the ability to quickly detect and accurately identify plant pests and pathogens that can have a negative impact on our food system and to communicate timely and accurate information to limit the negative effects of plant diseases. The Northeast Plant Diagnostic Network (NEPDN) will carry out the three overarching goals of the NPDN: Detection, Diagnosis, and Reporting. The goal of detection will be achieved by enhanced diagnostician training with meetings and visiting other labs. Diagnosticians at university and state department of agriculture labs will be prepared as first responders. Meeting the Diagnosis goal will be accomplished by maintaining state-of-the-art diagnostic capacity at the regional center, enhancing diagnostic infrastructure at NEPDN labs, and training. We will support Diagnosis by incorporating programming developed by the professional development, proficiency, and accreditation member committees. The Reporting goal will be accomplished by ensuring timely submission of diagnoses by NEPDN labs to the NPDN national data repository, supporting timely communication, and developing and refining reporting protocols for the NPDN.The NEPDN will focus on several key areas (1) develop tools to capture and report accomplishments and impacts, (2) implement the core accreditation system and (3) complete professional development modules. These will help ensure that diagnosticians can demonstrate the capability of receiving, processing, making accurate diagnoses, reporting results, and safely disposing of plant samples. The NEPDN will continue educating its members to communicate information, diagnostic results, and detection methods efficiently. The NEPDN will support communications that ensure all NEPDN labs are alerted of possible outbreaks and/or introductions.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
21624991160100%
Knowledge Area
216 - Integrated Pest Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
2499 - Plant research, general;

Field Of Science
1160 - Pathology;
Goals / Objectives
To provide value to U.S. Plant Biosecurity by establishing new programs, standards and practices aimed at increasing diagnostic capability, detection capacity, and the value of NPDN to its clientele, partners and stakeholders.To support state and federal regulatory response efforts with accurate, timely, and reliable diagnostics; with collaborations and open channels of communication with regulatory entities; and maintaining of appropriate confidentiality in diagnostic data.To develop standards for diagnostic performance, data quality, and lab management that promote the highest confidence in the network, NPDN diagnosticians, and the quality and integrity of the diagnostic reporting to the NPDN NDR.To provide or develop IT systems that aid diagnostic work by sharing and optimizing diagnostic methods, enhancing professional development and self-assessment, and improving communication among diagnosticians.To provide value to all member labs by enhancing the performance, credibility, and standing of NPDN labs; and provide the training and educational foundation necessary for the improvement of the labs and NPDN as a whole.To implement tools necessary to track metrics of success and improvement for the different programs and committees.
Project Methods
We will incorporate a variety of methods to fulfill the diagnostic missions of (1) providing accurate, reliable, and timely diagnostics and surveillance, (2) curating educated and capable first responders, and (3) maintaining a key role in the national reporting and communication programs that aim at advancing the goal of supplying useful, real-time data from innovative information and communication systems.Diagnosis. NEPDN members will participate in several efforts that include national programs and committees in protocol development, proficiency, laboratory accreditation, and professional development to advance our knowledge and ensure accurate, reliable, and timely diagnostics and surveillance. Each lab will work towards becoming accredited in the Core Accreditation program, which is a cohesive system that enhances the products, policies, and requirements established by NPDN committees and leadership to increase, standardize, and document the quality of diagnostics across NPDN in a measurable way. Furthermore, funds have been allocated to establish and support a non-capital equipment replacement program within the region. These funds can be used to provide replacement equipment when laboratory equipment malfunctions. This program ensures the capability of each lab is not compromised by the potential lack of funds available at the individual laboratory level to replace essential laboratory equipment. Detection. NPDN labs in each state and territory serve the role of sentinel labs and act as first responders in the case of detection of pests of concern. There are many professional development opportunities within NPDN, and all NEPDN member labs were required to include a description in their application detailing how they will use funds to attend professional development activities that benefit their lab and measure the advancement of the network goals of quality diagnostics. Be On The Lookout (BOLO) information will be sent to the region and nationally if a new organism is identified in the region. Efforts by the NEPDN Regional Center will focus on funding and coordinating the first laboratory training visit program where members in the region can visit any other laboratory in the NPDN to increase knowledge and capacity within the northeast. The NEPDN Regional Center will also host monthly video conference meetings to provide networking space, foster collaborations, and enhance detection and biosecurity by encouraging discussions among diagnosticians. The NEPDN Regional Center will host a regional meeting in 2023 and 2025, will host the NPDN National meeting in 2024, and will help prepare for the national NPDN meeting in 2026. These meetings are integral to the functioning of all of our labs working together as one cohesive organization. Reporting. All labs have committed to the efforts to submit data to the National Data Repository (NDR). The goal is to continue increasing this number across the region as additional protocols are developed within NPDN and as laboratories continue to increase their laboratory capacity inpersonnel and diagnostic equipment. Furthermore, a NEPDN lab member will continue to serve on the National Data Committee, which supports the quality and consistency of data in the NPDN NDR by providing clear data entry guidelines, standard terminology, and guidance on dictionary entries. Furthermore, a NEPDN member will continue serving in a leadership role on the Outreach and Extension Committee, which provides resources that enable knowledge transfer of key information relevant to plant health and its safeguarding in a measurable way.

Progress 09/01/23 to 08/31/24

Outputs
Target Audience:Diagnosticians at land grant universities (LGU), state departments of agriculture (SDA), plant pathologists, entomologists, nematologists, weed scientists, extension educators, growers and producers, crop consultants, Master gardeners, and the public. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has provided various opportunities for training and professional development and the members of the NEPDN have taken advantage of these opportunities. All thirteen labs regularly attend the monthly virtual meetings. Fifteen diagnosticians from our region participate on national committees, four of which serve on multiple committees, and four of which served in leadership roles on their committee. Five members serve on the Professional Development committee that drives programs and infrastructure to provide, market, and monitor the development and training of the NPDN diagnosticians. Five members serve on the proficiency committee which is working towards developing modules and training to teach and measure proficiency in plant disease diagnostics for all members of the network. Four individuals have leadership roles in a committee by serving as chair or vice-chair. Furthermore, nine diagnosticians in our region attended the Beltsville workshops during this reporting period in Spring 2024, which provide training on various lab methods and diagnostic lab practices including ELISA Proficiency Preparation, Sample Submissions for Confirmatory Diagnostic Testing, Production and Validation Diagnostic Assay Controls, and more. In 2023, NEPDN diagnosticians attended 92 NPDN events combined, indicating that other lab members of member labs aside from the PI or lead diagnostician are taking the opportunity to utilize the professional development resources of NPDN. Furthermore, NEPDN diagnosticians produced material for 356 extension and outreach communications and 143 publications, published 9 referred journals or books, conducted 25 presentations at scientific conferences, meetings or workshops, developed material for 21 courses, and were involved in 12 other communications including radio, video, and/or TV, which reached over 7,600 people. These presentations, publications, and other works developed and disseminated by diagnosticians in our region provide the opportunity for professional development for other diagnosticians in the region and beyond. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?NEPDN members have presented and published 556 products described in the section above, which were attended by or reached at least 7,600 participants. These products cover a broad range of topics focusing on plant diagnostics, nematology, entomology, plant pathology, and master gardener training. Additionally, 10,264 samples were submitted to NEPDN labs, and each sample received a report to the submitter that included a diagnosis, description of the disease, and management. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We plan to accomplish our goals in an ongoing manner, by continuing to facilitate detection, diagnostics, and reporting in the various methods utilized during year one, as outlined above. The region will continue to meet monthly via zoom to provide updates and discuss issues related to plant pathogen and pest diagnostics. This time has also proved important for identifying which labs perform which tests, so we can optimize coordination and availability of tests for clients in the region. Along the same lines, NEPDN director and associate director will continue to organize the 2024 NPDN National Meeting that will be held in Portland, Maine and will organize an in-person regional meeting in 2025 for all diagnosticians from the twelve states (thirteen labs) within NEPDN. This regional meeting is intended to allow time for diagnosticians to share updates on plant pathology in their states and to provide the opportunity for training on various subjects. The subject for 2025 is yet to be determined, but will likely include some time set aside for making progress on each lab's quality management system for Core Accreditation. Members of NEPDN represent the region on all NPDN committees: Accreditation Committee (4 people), National Data Committee (1 person), Professional Development Committee (5 people), Protocols & Validation Committee (3 people), Communications Committee (3 people), Outreach and Extension Committee (1 person), Proficiency Committee (5 people), and Regulatory Relations Committee (1 person). We strive to maintain a high standard for NEPDN representation on NPDN committees to ensure the perspective of the region as it relates to biosecurity and the needs of the client. The director and associate director of NEPDN will meet periodically to discuss the needs of the region and prepare for updates and dissemination of pertinent information. The director and associate director of NEPDN will continue to meet with the Leadership Team (composed of the associate and director from each of the other regions within NPDN) twice a month to assess, evaluate, and make decisions regarding items of national importance.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Goal #1 - The Regional Lab located in Maine, houses advanced diagnostics technologies, maintains surge-support capability, and provides diagnostic leadership and support to NEPDN member labs, as well as more broadly throughout the national network. In the last year the Regional Lab has implemented testing for Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) to provide surge support for the region. The twelve land grant university diagnostic labs within NEPDN, all of which are active members of NPDN, serve the role of sentinel labs and act as first responders in the case of detection of pests of concern. Across the 12 states and 13 labs in the region, there are 32 NPDN members, 22 of which are diagnosticians. Twenty-one various diagnostic methods were utilized in 2023 across the region to diagnose a wide variety of plant pests. The NEPDN held 12 monthly meetings to discuss any diagnostic issues, with different states providing various areas of expertise. Participants in these meetings ranged from diagnosticians from LGUs, diagnosticians from the state Department of Agriculture's,State Plant Regulatory Officials, and members from the Forest Service. The average number of participants at each Zoom meeting was 17 participants. This coordination among the region has resulted in increased communication regarding plant pests which has increased the efficiency of detection by utilizing the expertise and identifying available test methods across the entire region, rather than isolating the diagnostics to any one lab. These meetings have proven to strengthen the bonds between labs in the region, which makes each individual lab more likely to reach out to and collaborate with other diagnosticians within NEPDN when questions, issues, or unknowns arise. This cohesive network will prove beneficial particularly in times of regulatory events. Two'Be On the Look Out'(BOLO) emails were sent to diagnosticians within the region in the past year.This information aided the region in being prepared for sample submissionsif their state had been involved in the trace-forward. Each of the thirteen labs within NEPDN upload data to the National Data Repository (NDR), by using universal host and pest codes. At the national level, emails are sent daily by the IT department to all NPDN members which includes a list of pest codes that were used for the first time in that state. This ensures notification of possible first detections for diagnostic labs in NEPDN. Goal #2 - To provide accurate, reliable, and timely diagnostics and surveillance, NPDN has developed national programs in protocol development, proficiency, laboratory accreditation, and professional development. NEPDN encourages and supports these programs by having members participate in committees. Fifteen diagnosticians from our region participate on national committees, four of which serve on multiple committees, and four of which served in leadership roles on their committee. Five members serve on the Professional Development committee that drives programs and infrastructure to provide, market, and monitor the development and training of the NPDN diagnosticians. Four members serve on the Accreditation Committee which has provided an overarching framework for all NPDN member laboratories to commit to excellence in plant diagnostics by achieving Core Accreditation, which ensures NPDN laboratories will meet quality standards. The network is devoting time and resources to developing an accreditation program (Core Accreditation Program) to ensure quality and consistent diagnostics in each of the member labs. The position for an Accreditation Program Manager was created and posted in 2022 and was filled by Dr. Stephanie Shea, the Associate Director of the Northeast Plant Diagnostic Network, and Assistant Diagnostician at the UMaine Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab. In this role, Dr. Shea has provided the leadership, guidance, support, and oversight needed to meet the goal of accrediting all labs by December 2027. She has worked diligently to complete tasks necessary to launch the Core Accreditation Program for the NPDN. She has worked closely with both the Leadership Team and the Accreditation Committee to ensure their vision for the program comes to fruition and to ensure that the program is attainable for all labs in the network, ensuring a ubiquitous commitment to excellence in plant diagnostics. The intended launch date for the program is July 2024, when LGU and SDA labs can officially apply to become accredited by the network. Furthermore, the director and associate director of NEPDN have been organizing, planning, and coordinating the National Plant Diagnostic Network's 2024 National Meeting since the Northeast Region is hosting it in Portland, Maine. The NPDN 2024 National Meeting aims to increase the national diagnostic capacity of our members and member labs in prevention, rapid detection, and rapid response to biological threats to the U.S. agriculture and food supply across the public and private sectors. With diagnostician turnover due to retirements and the influx of new diagnosticians stepping into these roles, it is now more critical than ever to build and share knowledge in identifying threats from pests, diseases, contaminants, and disasters. NPDN welcomed 66 new members in 2023 alone. This national meeting will create opportunities for members to foster collaboration with other members across the country, thereby increasing long-range improvements to diagnostics. Furthermore, NEPDN has virtual meetings once a month to promote communication among diagnosticians in the region, as mentioned above in Goal #1, to ensure a cohesive network of diagnosticians that can share expertise and diagnostic support. The monthly meetings also serve to help introduce new members to the diagnosticians in the region and connect them with onboarding training to promote knowledge and use of available NPDN resources that will contribute to their daily diagnostics. Goal #3 - As part of the requirement for labs to receive these funds, diagnosticians must upload data to the National Data Repository (NDR). In the time period of May 1, 2023, through April 30, 2024, diagnosticians in the region uploaded 10,264 samples, resulting in 13,275 diagnoses. Out of 10,264 uploaded samples, 402 were considered first reports in their state labs. NEPDN members serve on the National Data Committee, which supports the quality and consistency of data in the NPDN NDR by providing clear data entry guidelines, standard terminology, and guidance on dictionary entries. A NEPDN member also served in a leadership role on the Outreach and Extension Committee. The committee supports outreach and extension activities of NPDN members by providing resources that enable knowledge transfer of key information relevant to plant health and its safeguarding. Goal #4 - NPDN has an entire team dedicated to providing or developing IT systems that aid diagnostic work. Some examples include the first detection system mentioned above in Goal #1, as well as a streamlined "BOLO" (be on the lookout) program, which is still in development, that efficiently and effectively alerts diagnosticians to relevant pest events of concern. Members have access to the Learning Management System, particularly LearnUpon, which has several resources including Accreditation training and Webinars provided by Great Plains Diagnostic Network that cover a variety of topics. Accreditation ensures a standard of high quality across all diagnostic labs in the network. Goal #5 - This is an ongoing goal, as improvement in the organization to facilitate enhanced progress is a consistent objective. Steps taken towards improvement have been identified throughout Goals #1-4 above. Goal #6 - This too, is an ongoing goal, and various tools and mechanisms have been discussed as they relate to facilitating goals #1-4 above.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Brazee NJ, Munck IA, McLaughlin K, Ferreira S and Keleher N. 2023. Diplodia twig canker (Diplodia gallae) of northern red oak (Quercus rubra) in the northeastern United States. Forest Pathology e12822, doi.org/10.1111/efp.12822
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2023 Citation: Okun A, Brazee NJ, Clark JR, Cunningham-Minnick M, Burcham DC, and Kane B. 2023. Assessing likelihood of failure due to stem decay using different assessment techniques. Forests 14(5): 1043, doi.org/10.3390/f14051043
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Brazee NJ and Burcham DC. 2023. Internal decay in landscape oaks (Quercus spp.): incidence, severity, explanatory variables, and estimates of strength loss. Forests 14(5): 978, doi.org/10.3390/f14050978
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2023 Citation: Burcham DC, Brazee NJ, Marra RE and Kane B. 2023. Geometry matters for sonic tomography of trees. Trees: Structure and Function, doi.org/10.1007/s00468-023-02387-4
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Bocardo, F., A. Weisberg, E. Riutta, K. Kilday, J. Bonkowski, R. Creswell, M. Daughtrey, K. Rane, N. Grunwald, J. Chang and M. Putnam. 2023. Whole genome sequencing-based tracing of a 2022 introduction and outbreak of Xanthomonas hortorum pv. pelargonii. Phytopathology 113:975-984. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-09-22-0321-R
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Rahman, M., Islam, T., Jett, L., and J. Kotcon. 2023. Probiotic Bacteria, Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation and Mustard Cover Crop Biofumigation Suppress Soilborne Disease and Increase Yield of Strawberry in a Perennial Organic Production System. Plant Disease 107(8): 2490-2499 https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-10-22-2402-RE
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Aljawasim, B.D.; Samtani, J.B.; Rahman, M. 2023. New Insights in the Detection and Management of Anthracnose Diseases in Strawberries. Plants 12, 3704. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12213704
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: M. Rahman and W. L. Dudding. 2023. Chemical control of downy mildew in cucumber cultivar Silver Slicer in West Virginia, 2022. Plant Disease Management Reports 17:V163. https://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/reports/2023/V163.pdf
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: M. Rahman and W. L. Dudding. 2023. Evaluation of fungicides for controlling Septoria leaf spot on tomato in WV, 2022. Plant Disease Management Reports 17:V164. https://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/reports/2023/V164.pdf


Progress 09/01/22 to 08/31/23

Outputs
Target Audience:Diagnosticians at land grant universities (LGU), state departments of agriculture (SDA), plant pathologists, entomologists, nematologists, weed scientists, extension educators, growers and producers, crop consultants, Master gardeners, and the public. Changes/Problems:Individuals across the network have conveyed the struggle of NPDN commitment amid rising costs of personnel (salary and benefits), equipment, and supplies. The network has experienced some difficulty in filling committee leadership roles due to the level of required commitment, even with additional funds provided to each lab with a diagnostician serving in a committee leadership role. The lab accreditation manager will be hired at the NEPDN regional center (University of Maine) instead of the NCPDN regional center (Michigan State University). What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has provided various opportunities for training and professional development and the members of the NEPDN have taken advantage of these opportunities. All thirteen labs were represented at the National meeting held in Davis, California, in April 2022, "Propelling Diagnostics into the Future." Thirteen diagnosticians from our region participate on national committees, two of which serve on multiple committees and four of which serve on the Professional Development Committee that drives programs and infrastructure to provide, market, and monitor the development and training of the NPDN diagnosticians. Three individuals have leadership roles in a committee by serving as chair or vice-chair. Furthermore, eight diagnosticians in our region attended the Beltsville workshops in 2022, which provide training on various lab methods and practices. In 2022, twenty-five diagnosticians in the region attended NPDN events, and thirty-one attended professional conferences, indicating that other lab members of member labs aside from the PI or lead diagnostician are taking the opportunity to utilize the professional development resources of NPDN. Additionally, each lab completed the NPDN Core Accreditation Course One, which prepared them for the additional accreditation training that was provided in the winter via Zoom and then the in-person training facilitated in the Spring of 2023. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?NEPDN members have presented and published material on a broad range of topics focusing on turf management, pest management, diseases and insect pests of ornamentals, turf diseases of golf courses, red thread syndrome, snow molds, oak diseases, putting green anthracnose, lawn pests, fungicide selection and use, household insect pests, entomology, landscape trees disease trends, shrub disease trends, white pine health, diplodia shoot blight of northern red oak, eastern white pine health, cultural and chemical disease management, boxwood blight identification and management, Rhizosphere needle cast on Colorado blue spruce, biologicals and biofumigation for managing soilborne diseases, integrated management of bramble diseases with emphasis on blackberry cane blight, effect of biorational treatments on tomato diseases, apple bitter pit management, disease management in blueberries, disease management in grapes, major hemp diseases, biotic and abiotic problems in fruits/vegetables/ornamentals, strawberry soilborne diseases, climate change, agroecology, farm practices for pollinator health, beech leaf disease, planting/harvesting/processing saffron, canine detection of oak wilt in New York, trapping Nitidulid beetles, beginner farmer training, composting, fungi and fungicides, organic gardening, pruning, phytophthora bleeding canker, arboriculture, nematology, etc. in 561 presentations/publications attended by or reaching at least 47,690 participants. Attendees included individuals from grower organizations, arborists, agricultural inspectors, IPM specialists, golf course managers, crop consultants, master gardeners, first detectors, horticultural society members, pesticide applicators, other plant pathologists, and entomologists. Please note presentations listed here include interviews with radio and television stations and electronic factsheets where the numbers of individuals impacted are hard to estimate and cannot be recorded; therefore, the number of people reached or in attendance is likely underestimated. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We plan to accomplish our goals in an ongoing manner by continuing to facilitate detection, diagnostics, and reporting in the various methods utilized during year one, as outlined above. The region will continue to meet monthly via zoom to provide updates and discuss issues related to plant pathogen and pest diagnostics. This time has also proved important for identifying which labs perform which tests, so we can optimize the coordination and availability of tests for clients in the region. Along the same lines, NEPDN director and associate director organized the regional meeting for all diagnosticians from twelve states (thirteen labs), who came together for an in-person meeting in Spring 2023 in Connecticut to share updates on plant pathology in their states. Furthermore, this regional meeting focused on making progress towards attaining NPDN Core Accreditation, which aims to hold NPDN to a high and consistent quality of diagnostic standard. Members of NEPDN represent the region on all but one NPDN committee. We strive to maintain a high standard for NEPDN representation on NPDN committees to ensure the perspective of the region as it relates to biosecurity and the needs of the client. The director and associate director of NEPDN will meet periodically to discuss the needs of the region and prepare for updates and dissemination of pertinent information. The director and associate director of NEPDN will meet with the leadership team (composed of the associate and director from each of the other regions within NPDN) twice a month to assess, evaluate, and make decisions regarding items of national importance.?

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Goal #1 - Detection The Regional Lab located in Maine houses advanced diagnostics technologies, maintains surge-support capability, and provides diagnostic leadership and support to NEPDN member labs and, more broadly, throughout the national network. In the last year, the Regional Lab has implemented testing for Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) to provide surge support for the region. The twelve land grant university diagnostic labs within NEPDN, all active members of NPDN, serve the role of sentinel labs and act as first responders in detecting pests of concern. The NEPDN held 12 monthly meetings to discuss any diagnostic issues, with different states providing various areas of expertise. These meetings included diagnosticians from LGU, diagnosticians from the State Department of Agriculture, and SPROs. The average number of participants at each Zoom meeting was 17 participants. This coordination among the region has resulted in increased communication regarding plant pests which has increased the efficiency of detection by utilizing the expertise and identifying available test methods across the entire region rather than isolating the diagnostics to any one lab. These meetings have proven to strengthen the bonds between labs in the region, which makes each individual lab more likely to reach out to and collaborate with other diagnosticians within NEPDN when questions, issues, or unknowns arise. This cohesive network will prove beneficial, particularly in times of regulatory events. Three Be On the Look Out, (BOLO) information was sent to diagnosticians within the region via email in the past year. All were due to trace-forwards, two involved a fungal disease, and the other a bacterial disease. This information aided the region in being prepared for sample submissions being sent to them if their state had been involved in the trace-forward. Each of the thirteen labs within NEPDN uploads data to the National Data Repository (NDR), by using universal host and pest codes. At the national level, emails are sent daily by the IT department to all NPDN members which includes a list of pest codes that were used for the first time in that state. This ensures notification of possible first detections for diagnostic labs in NEPDN. NEPDN labs are equipped with equipment/supplies to perform a variety of tests to identify plant pests. Twenty various methods were utilized in 2022 across the region to diagnose a wide variety of plant pests. Furthermore, funds were used to purchase equipment, supplies, and travel, to maintain or expand upon these testing methods offered at any one lab and/or at the regional level. The ability to purchase equipment and supplies helps to ensure lab capacity capability in times of need, potentially during regulatory events, by ensuring labs can receive samples from out of state by maintaining equipment that is required for USDA permitting. This was the case with the University of Rhode Island purchasing an autoclave with these funds. One lab used travel funds from this project to visit another lab in the region to gain knowledge in bacterial testing, which they had not provided previously at their diagnostic lab. Goal #2 - Diagnostics To provide accurate, reliable, and timely diagnostics and surveillance, NPDN has developed national programs in protocol development, proficiency, laboratory accreditation, and professional development. NEPDN encourages and supports these programs by having members participate in committees. Thirteen diagnosticians from our region participate on national committees, two of which serve on multiple committees and four of which serve on the Professional Development Committee that drives programs and infrastructure to provide, market, and monitor the development and training of the NPDN diagnosticians. Dr. Alicyn Smart and Dr. Stephanie Shea serve as Champions for the Protocols & Validation Committee and Professional Development Committee. The Champion of a committee serves as the liaison between the committee and the Leadership Team. The network is devoting time and resources to developing an accreditation program (Core Accreditation Program) to ensure quality and consistent diagnostics in each of the member labs. The position for an Accreditation Program Manager was created and posted in 2022 and will be filled in 2023 by a diagnostician in our region. The Accreditation Program Manager will provide the leadership, guidance, support, and oversight needed to meet the goal of accrediting all labs by August 2027. Furthermore, the director and associate director of NEPDN organized, planned, and coordinated an in-person meeting in March 2023 that focused on each lab within NEPDN making progress toward accreditation. The regional meeting in 2022 was held at UC Davis as part of the national NPDN meeting. Members attended this regional meeting either virtually or in person. Furthermore, NEPDN has virtual meetings once a month to promote communication among diagnosticians in the region, as mentioned above in Goal #1, to ensure a cohesive network of diagnosticians that can share expertise and diagnostic support. The monthly meetings also serve to help introduce new members to the diagnosticians in the region and connect them with onboarding training to promote knowledge and use of available NPDN resources that will contribute to their daily diagnostics. Goal #3 - Reporting As part of the requirement for labs to receive these funds, diagnosticians must upload data to the National Data Repository (NDR). In the time period of January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022 diagnosticians in the region uploaded 8,777 samples resulting in 16,574 diagnoses. Out of the 8,777 uploads, 107 were considered first reports in their state labs. NEPDN members serve on the National Data Committee, which supports the quality and consistency of data in the NPDN NDR by providing clear data entry guidelines, standard terminology, and guidance on dictionary entries. A NEPDN member also serves in a leadership role on the Outreach and Extension Committee. The committee supports outreach and extension activities of NPDN members by providing resources that enable knowledge transfer of key information relevant to plant health and its safeguarding. Goal #4 - IT NPDN has an entire team dedicated to providing or developing IT systems that aid diagnostic work. Some examples include the first detection system mentioned above in Goal #1, as well as a streamlined "BOLO" (be on the lookout) program, which is still in development, that efficiently and effectively alerts diagnosticians to relevant pest events of concern. Members have access to the Learning Management System, particularly LearnUpon, which has several resources, including Accreditation training and Webinars provided by Great Plains Diagnostic Network that covers a variety of topics. Accreditation ensures a standard of high quality across all diagnostic labs in the network. Goal #5 - Improvement This is an ongoing goal, as improvement in the organization to facilitate enhanced progress is a consistent objective. Steps taken towards improvement have been identified throughout Goals #1-4 above. Goal #6 - Tools This too, is an ongoing goal, and various tools and mechanisms have been discussed as they relate to facilitating goals #1-4 above.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Chakraborty, M., S. M. F. Rabby, D. R. Gupta, M. Rahman, S. K. Paul, N.U. Mahmud, A. A. M. Rahat, L. Jankuloski, T. Islam. 2022. Natural Protein Kinase Inhibitors, Staurosporine, and Chelerythrine Suppress Wheat Blast Disease Caused by Magnaporthe oryzae Triticum. Microorganisms 10(6):1186. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10061186
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Paul, S. K., M. Chakraborty, M. Rahman, D. R. Gupta, N. U. Mahmud, A. A. M. Rahat, A. Sarker, M. A. Hannan, M. M. Rahman, M.M.; A. M. Akanda, et al. 2022. Marine Natural Product Antimycin A Suppresses Wheat Blast Disease Caused by Magnaporthe oryzae Triticum. J. Fungi 8: 618. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8060618
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Rajmohan, N., Price, D., Buckley, R., Komar, S. J., Bamka, W. J., Petit, E. A., Cabrera, R. I., Gianfagna, T. J., Simon, J. E., & Wyenandt, C. A. (2022). First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Golovinomyces ambrosiae on Industrial Hemp in New Jersey. Plant disease, 106(9), 2534. https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-12-21-2657-PDN
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2022 Citation: McLaughlin, K. K. Snover-Clift, L. Somers, J. Cancelliere, and R. Cole. 2022. Early detection of the oak wilt fungus (Bretziella fagacearum) using trapped nitidulid beetle vectors. Forest Pathology 52:e12767. https://doi.org/10.1111/efp.12767
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Li, K., Wang, Y., Ge, T., Larkin, R., Smart, A., Johnson, S., and Hao, J. 2022. Risk Evaluation of Benzovindiflupyr Resistance of Verticillium dahliae Population in Maine. Plant Disease. Published online. DOI: https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/10.1094/PDIS-06-22-1384-RE
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Schattman, R.E., Smart, A., Birkel, S., Jean, H., Barai, K., Zhang, Y.-J. Strawberry Growth under Current and Future Rainfall Scenarios. Water. 2022, 14(3), 313. DOI: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/14/3/313
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Copeland, CA, Harper, RW, Brazee NJ and FJ Bowlick. 2022. A review of Dutch elm disease and new prospects for Ulmus americana in the urban environment. Arboricultural Journal, doi.org/10.1080/03071375.2022.2082177
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Bocardo, F., A. Weisberg, E. Riutta, K. Kilday, J. Bonkowski, R. Creswell, M. Daughtrey, K. Rane, N. Grunwald, J. Chang and M. Putnam. 2022. Whole genome sequencing-based tracing of a 2022 introduction and outbreak of Xanthomonas hortorum pv. pelargonii. Phytopathology: published online Dec. 14, 2022 https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-09-22-0321-R
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Rahman, M., T. Islam, L. Jett, and J. Kotcon. 2023. Probiotic Bacteria, Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation and Mustard Cover Crop Biofumigation Suppress Soilborne Disease and Increase Yield of Strawberry in a Perennial Organic Production System. Plant Disease, (ja).
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