Remote Microscopy showcased live throughout 2009

VANMEURSA — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:55:13 +0000

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

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

Fruit fly experts in Vienna

VANMEURSA — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 02:03:53 +0000

True fruit flies are one of the world’s worst pests of fruit and fruiting vegetables, causing millions of dollars worth of damage each year.

While Australia has a number of native pest fruit flies of its own, some exotic fruit fly species present in neighbouring countries are also of great biosecurity concern. Their introduction and establishment would cause significant additional economic damage and trade disruption, as well as requiring expensive eradication campaigns.

Australia has an extensive fruit fly surveillance program with traps in more than 1,600 locations across the country. Early detection of exotic fruit flies is the best means to achieve prompt and cost-effective eradication in the event of an incursion. The trapping program also provides evidence to overseas trading partners of Australia’s freedom from particular fruit fly species. Part of surveillance, however, is the ability to accurately diagnose the flies detected, and unfortunately this is not easily done for all offshore pest species, especially those belonging to the Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) complex.

The Oriental Fruit Fly complex contains several species, including B. dorsalis, B. papayae and B. philippinensis, which are capable of causing significant damage to commercial crops in Australia. Unfortunately, robust diagnostics for these species do not currently exist. Even worse, it is not currently possible to separate these pests from endemic, non-regulated fruit flies.

Queensland University of Technology’s (QUT) Associate Professor Tony Clarke is leading a CRC project which will undertake a detailed biological, morphological and molecular study of the pest flies in the B. dorsalis complex, to confirm species boundaries and develop new methods for their diagnosis.

This project has received international interest from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN/FAO). In early July, project members Tony Clarke, QUT based CRC postdoctoral fellow Dr Mark Schutze and Lincoln University’s Dr Karen Armstrong, were three of only 11 people worldwide invited to participate in an international consultants meeting held at the United Nations' IAEA headquarters in Vienna, Austria.

During the meeting, global fruit fly experts discussed a proposed new international project on resolving fruit fly species complexes, with a focus on the B. dorsalis complex and the South American Anastrepha fraterculus complex. The project will develop strategies to resolve species boundaries in fruit flies and has applications for sterile insect technique programs and trade. The role of the UN/FAO’s IAEA is to help member nations facilitate trade and improve agricultural and horticultural industries through the non-military use of nuclear technologies.