Through live demonstrations and training in 2009, Remote Microscopy (RM) has grown and expanded rapidly with users based throughout Australia, New Zealand and South-East Asia. By showcasing the RM technology and the new innovations in this area we are exposing the wider plant pathology and entomological communities to the benefits of RM and paving the way for further growth.

When demonstrating the potential of the Remote Microscope, the equipment required includes, a microscope connected to a high quality Nikon DS-Fi1 camera which is connected to a Nikon DS-L2 console which is then connected to the internet (or simulated internet connection).

During the demonstration we highlight the ease in which RM equipment can be used to connect experts to specimens via the internet to make identifications or train personnel. The live interaction allows for high audience involvement giving participants a chance to become comfortable with the equipment, making them more likely to continue using RM as part of their regular practice or become involved in the RM world as it expands.

The demonstrations also give us the chance to show how developments in new low cost, convenient portable RM technology such as the Dino-Lite range of USB microscope cameras could form part of the RM landscape in the future. In addition, as discussed in previous Leaflet articles it is hoped that increased use will be facilitated by a RM portal to be housed in the Pest and Disease Image Library (PaDIL). This central portal will guide users to contact experts, as well as play a role in the uploading and authoring of images to build on existing databases in the PaDIL suite of tools. 

To highlight the features of RM to potential end-users, demonstrations were conducted at the following events:

June

9-10 June: Industry & Investment NSW Entomology, Plant pathology and Veterinary units, Orange, NSW

• Installation, demonstration and training
• Seminar on RM concepts, progress and future directions.

August

3-7 August: New Zealand, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF)

• Presentation/seminar for MAF and Landcare personnel in Auckland on RM progress and future directions
• Demonstration and discussion of New Zealand and Australian use of RM.

17-20 August: Image Analysis and Phenomics/Technologies for Biosecurity Workshop, Canberra

• Presentation (including demonstration) on RM progress and future directions to workshop attendees
• Four- day workshop included group sessions where RM ideas and innovations were shared.

31 August – 2 September: International Symposium on Thysanoptera and Tospoviruses, Brisbane

• Presentation (including demonstration) on RM progress and future directions
• Presentation as part of a wider PaDIL suite of tools
• Poster on RM presented and supported. 

September

22-24 September: CRC Science Exchange, Sunshine Coast

• Presentation (including demonstration) on RM progress and future directions.

25-28 September: DARWIN 200: Evolution and Biodiversity Conference, Darwin

• Presentation (including demonstration) on RM progress and future directions
• Collaboration with potential RM users in Entomology community.

October

6-9 October: National Invertebrate Pest Initiative Workshop, Canberra 

• Presentation (including demonstration) on RM progress and future directions.

17 October -7 November: south-east Asia

• RM installation, training and presentations on current progress and future directions. 

For more information about the remote microscope network, contact Remote Microscope Support Officer, Michael Thompson m.thompson@crcplantbiosecurity.com.au [1] 

Photo caption: Project team member, Dean Beasley (right) and Remote Microscope Support Officer, Michael Thompson (left) give CRCNPB staff member, Carla Tadich, a demonstration of the remote microscope technology at the CRC’s Science Exchange.

Article written by: Michael Thompson, Remote Microscope Support Officer