The interaction between plant protection authorities, academia and industry

摘要

Mass produced symptomless plant propagation material can be a dangerous vector of undetected viral diseases. The diagnosis and control of viral infection in the international plant industry has become an issue of major diagnostic service suppliers,research institutes and environmental protection agencies. Traditionally, these entities have remained relatively isolated without sufficient communication among them. Both producers and clients have a vested interest in controlling cost and maximizing profit. Researchers wish to conduct scientific investigations. Protection officers uphold the law against use of infected plant propagation material, imported or locally produced. These 3 different entities offer much potential for cooperation. Models forcontrolling prices, incorporating new technologies engaging domestic and international cooperation between relevant bodies have been developed in several locations in the world. The options presented by these models offer high quality plant propagationmaterial at acceptable cost within internationally accepted guidelines for plant and environmental protection. A common challenge for the above entities is to insure a flow of high quality plant propagation material in a dynamic reality where distances between countries are shortened by frequent flights and borders between formerly rival nations are now open. The above challenge is discussed in the light of the present situation in the new Middle East.