
July 2003 From American Phytopathological Society Plant pathologists to discuss strategies for global crop protection at the APS Annual Meeting St. Paul, MN (July 11, 2003) - Current international crop protection programs and the opportunities for additional strategic alliances in international research and development programs will be the focus of a symposium at the APS Annual Meeting in Charlotte, NC on August 9-13, 2003.This symposium will provide an overview of highly successful, large-scale integrated crop protection programs around the world and will highlight the important partnerships and connections necessary to make them happen. "Protecting crops on a global and pan-national scale is a tremendous undertaking, but the topics discussed in this symposium are proof of what holistic programs can achieve," said symposium presenter Kitty Cardwell, of the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service. "These successful programs are wonderful examples of how global initiatives and collaborations can work," Cardwell said. Speakers from Asia, Latin America, Africa, and North America will discuss: - The Asian IPM Network: Integrating social and biological sciences.
- A global IPM partnership between U.S.A. institutions and developing countries.
- The global initiative on late blight.
- A West African program against mycotoxins in maize.
- Introduced biocontrol agents to combat exotic pests of cassava in West and Central Africa.
Cardwell noted that there is an ongoing need to create and maintain partnerships in order to keep international programs effective. "There are many opportunities for people and organizations to become involved with these programs," Cardwell said. "By becoming involved in large-scale, global crop protection programs, you have the opportunity to bring positive change to large numbers of people around the world," she said. The symposium will be held from 2-5 p.m. at the Charlotte Convention Center on Sunday, August 10, 2003. Members of the media are invited to attend annual meeting events and complimentary registration is available. The American Phytopathological Society (APS) is a non-profit, professional scientific organization dedicated to the study and control of plant diseases, with 5,000 members worldwide. | |