SBRI Project - Innovative Approaches to Detection/ Control of Plant & Tree Pests

Tender description

1.1 The Authority is seeking suppliers for An SBRI Project on Innovative Approaches to Detection and Control of Plant and Tree Pests. Safeguarding plant health is one of Defra’s top four priorities. The main aim of Plant Health policy in England and Wales is to prevent the introduction and spread of quarantine pests and diseases, and ensure the availability of healthy planting material. The movement of plants and plant products between countries is controlled by international agreements and EU legislation aimed at reducing the risks of introducing harmful non-native pests and pathogens, for example through inspections and certification undertaken in the country of origin. However, there are many instances of such species becoming established in Europe and causing significant damage to either native plants or commercial crops. Therefore early detection of pests and pathogens is critical for preventing establishment and spread. In addition early detection and intervention is invariably more cost-effective than programmes to eradicate or contain the pest once it is well-established. Tools to aid detection in the field and gather information through surveillance and monitoring networks will facilitate early detection