Technology development for the early detection of plant pests : a framework for assessing Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) in environmental science

This work was supported by a grant funded jointly by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Economic and Social Research Council, the Forestry Commission, the Natural Environment Research Council and the Scottish Government, under the Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Initiative.Innovation in environmental fields such as plant health is complex because of unbounded challenges and lack of certainty of commercial uptake. In this paper we present a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) framework, specifically to assist with assessment of technologies to support detection of tree pests and pathogens, but also for wider potential adaptation. Biosecurity can be enhanced by improved early detection of pests and pathogens, but development and deployment of new technologies requires robust scrutiny. We critically analyse the concept, practice and applicability of TRLs. Interviews revealed scientist perspectives during the development process of five novel early plant pest and pathogen detection technologies. A retrospective, collective narrative of one technology from concept to commercial deployment was undertaken. We then developed a calculator tool for assessment of biosecurity TRLs. Our findings illustrate the iterative process of technology development, the challenges in final TRLs of acquiring funding to move from proven success to viable product, inefficiencies created through the need for multiple projects for each technology and the imperative to consider the wider socio-ecological technical landscape, including policy context. End user engagement was particularly valuable at beginning and end of the TRL scale. We conclude that the TRL framework comprises a robust approach to assess technologies in that it facilitates progress tracking, evaluation of success likelihood and identification of opportunities for investment. However, its potential will only be realised for environmental management if it is integrated into the socio-ecological technical landscape and wider discussions regarding knowledge co-production and valuing nature.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

What did we achieve with VALITEST an EU project on validation in plant pest diagnostics?

peer reviewedEnsuring the reliability of diagnostic activities is an essential cornerstone of Plant Health strategies to reduce the risk of entry and spread of plant pests in a region and ultimately their impacts. Diagnostic tests should be validated to ensure that they are fit for purpose. Validation is usually done by diagnostic laboratories although companies commercializing diagnostic kits also produce validation data for their products. Due to the high number of pest , matrix and method combinations and given the significant resources required to validate tests, it is essential that validation data are shared with the entire diagnostic community and produced in a harmonized way to facilitate their use by different stakeholders. Indeed, the selection of tests to be used in specific contexts is not the sole responsibility of diagnostic laboratories and also involve National Plant Protection Organizations. The VALITEST EU project (2018-2021) was established to tackle all these issues. New validation data for tests targeting important pests for the EPPO region were produced. Guidelines to improve and harmonize the validation framework were developed. Sharing of validation data and experience was ensured through the development of new or existing databases, the organization of training courses and the dissemination of the project outputs in scientific publications and Standards. Finally, the involvement of researchers, diagnosticians, policy makers, inspectors, industries etc. and the establishment of the European Plant Diagnostic Industry Association were important actions to strengthen the interactions between Plant Health stakeholders

Understanding and Improving the Collection and Use of Diagnostic Test Validation Data: Reflections and Next Steps

Although the importance of test validation in a plant health context is widely recognized, it is arguably not yet used to its full potential. This concept note describes the basic concepts underlying test performance and validation, as well as their current interpretation and use by key stakeholder groups. It is argued that, due to a number of communication pitfalls and associated limitations, current approaches are too fragmented and could lead to suboptimal results. Recommendations on how to improve the collection and use of validation data are based on work conducted in the EU VALITEST project (2018 to 2021). A key output of the project is its contribution to the standardization of test performance studies from sample selection and testing to interpreting and communicating test results. In addition, a prototype mathematical framework has been developed, which enables users to more easily consider and communicate trade-offs in test selection and development. The framework provides the basis for a more holistic approach, aiming to streamline collaboration between stakeholder groups. [Graphic: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license

Eco-epidemiological uncertainties of emerging plant diseases : the challenge of predicting Xylella fastidiosa dynamics in novel environments

Support was provided by the BRIGIT project by UK Research and Innovation through the Strategic Priorities Fund, by a grant from Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, with support from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Scottish Government (BB/S016325/1). Additional funding was provided by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement number 727987–XF-ACTORS “Xylella Fastidiosa Active Containment Through a Multidisciplinary-Oriented Research Strategy” and grant agreement number 734353–CURE-XF “Capacity Building and Raising Awareness in Europe and in Third Countries to Cope with Xylella fastidiosa.”In order to prevent and control the emergence of biosecurity threats such as vector-borne diseases of plants, it is vital to understand drivers of entry, establishment, and spatiotemporal spread, as well as the form, timing, and effectiveness of disease management strategies. An inherent challenge for policy in combatting emerging disease is the uncertainty associated with intervention planning in areas not yet affected, based on models and data from current outbreaks. Following the recent high-profile emergence of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa in a number of European countries, we review the most pertinent epidemiological uncertainties concerning the dynamics of this bacterium in novel environments. To reduce the considerable ecological and socio-economic impacts of these outbreaks, eco-epidemiological research in a broader range of environmental conditions needs to be conducted and used to inform policy to enhance disease risk assessment, and support successful policy-making decisions. By characterizing infection pathways, we can highlight the uncertainties that surround our knowledge of this disease, drawing attention to how these are amplified when trying to predict and manage outbreaks in currently unaffected locations. To help guide future research and decision-making processes, we invited experts in different fields of plant pathology to identify data to prioritize when developing pest risk assessments. Our analysis revealed that epidemiological uncertainty is mainly driven by the large variety of hosts, vectors, and bacterial strains, leading to a range of different epidemiological characteristics further magnified by novel environmental conditions. These results offer new insights on how eco-epidemiological analyses can enhance understanding of plant disease spread and support management recommendations.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe