Center for Plant Health Science and Technology
National Science Programs |
|
 |
|
The work of CPHST can be classified under one of five national science programs. These programs are based in Raleigh, NC, and include services like method development, quality assurance, training and education, and projects.
AQI and Port Technology |
|
|
|
The Agricultural Quarantine Inspection and Port Technology (AQI&PT) Program provides the scientific basis upon which agricultural import inspections and treatment technologies are based in order to guarantee the safety of our agricultural imports and promote international trade. Quarantine inspections and mitigating treatments represent the last line of defense against exotic invaders.
The basic responsibilities of the AQI&PT program include developing treatment manual support for ports of entry, certifying vessels and containers for transporting commodities, developing methyl bromide alternatives, maintaining a database for monitoring fumigant usage, certifying international commodity treatment facilities in preclearance programs and developing detection technologies for port deployment, such as chemical sensors, acoustical detectors, and agricultural x-ray technology.
National Science Program Leader
Dr. Mike Hennessey
(919) 855-7400
michael.k.hennessey@aphis.usda.gov
Molecular Diagnostics & Biotechnology |
|
|
|
The Molecular Diagnostics and Biotechnology (MDB) Program mission is to provide scientific support to APHIS PPQ for characterization of pest organisms requiring molecular diagnostics and to support the development of genetically modified (GM) organisms for use in pest management programs.
The MDB Program identifies, develops or adapts appropriate technologies for molecular-based detection and identification of plant pests and pathogens, and validates molecular assays for use by the regulatory community. Additionally, the MDB Program supports genetically modified insect development for the control of crop pests and strategy formulation for the regulation and eventual deployment of genetically modified insects.
National Science Program Leader
Vacant
(919) 855-7400
Response and Recovery Systems Technology |
|
|
|
The Response and Recovery Systems Technology (RRST) Program mission is to provide scientific support to regulatory program managers and decision-makers, emphasizing prevention, rapid response and recovery; target newly introduced pests, using specific technologies geared towards eradication or containment; plan strategically; and develop management plans for APHIS programs. These programs are designed to safeguard America's crops and natural environment through exclusion first and, if necessitated, from the adverse impacts caused by accidentally or intentionally introduced insects/arthropods, nematodes, and weed pests and diseases of regulatory significance.
APHIS PPQ uses integrated pest management strategies, phytosanitary measures and technologies to combat exotic diseases and pests while minimizing adverse effects on the environment, producers, and consumers. Eradication is invoked for pests, weeds and diseases that pose a significant risk, are limited in distribution, and share key biological characteristics.
National Science Program Leader
Dr. Russ Bulluck
(919) 855-7400
russ.bulluck@aphis.usda.gov
Risk and Pathway Analysis |
|
|
|
The Risk and Pathway Analysis (RPA) Program focuses on collecting and interpreting scientific evidence and technical information regarding plant pest risks. RPA products help PPQ to design risk-based policies and regulations for import, export, and domestic programs. The work of the staff is important for identifying and assessing new pest threats, providing scientific support to regulatory updates and revisions, and helping to prioritize resources to maximize protection capabilities.
The foundation of RPA’s analytical capacity is its diverse, high-caliber scientific staff, composed of entomologists, plant pathologists, botanists, ecologists, economists, and other specialists combined with an extensive, unique, and ever-growing collection of information on plant pests. State-of-the-art tools and methodologies are used for pest risk assessments, including sophisticated spatial technology systems that integrate weather, pest distribution and other databases to analyze pest dynamics; identify agro-environmental pests of greatest concern and identify potential pathways for the introduction of harmful exotic pests.
National Science Program Leader
Dr. Ron Sequeira
(919) 855-7400
ron.a.sequeira@aphis.usda.gov
Survey Detection and Identification |
|
|
|
The Survey Detection and Identification (SDI) Program provides sound science and demonstrated methodologies to PPQ for rapid detection and identification of exotic pests. The SDI Program is divided into four cross-functional groups: early detection, identification technology, spatial technology, and biocontrol. SDI supports PPQ programs through ad hoc and long-term projects, committee memberships, and virtual teams. Additional support is gleaned through cooperation with academic institutions, industry, and government agencies.
Through cross-functional networks, SDI scientists provide the “what, when, where, and how” for survey operations. SDI scientists offer strategy and tactics to achieve safeguarding results. Forethought and vision are used to integrate state-of-the-art technologies into current practice while maintaining an open door for the cutting edge science and support systems of the future.
National Science Program Leader
Mr. Daniel Fieselmann
(919) 855-7400
daniel.a.fieselmann@aphis.usda.gov