Harmonizing quarantine pest lists for a ASEAN Pest Database
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states face challenges in managing quarantine pest-related information due to fragmented data systems, inconsistent assessment methods, and limited coordination among National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs). These gaps hinder timely responses to emerging pest threats and complicate regional efforts in evidence-based pest management. The Task Force on ASEAN Pest Database (TF-APD), has been established to create a regional platform for quarantine pest information, with CABI serving as the Technical Secretariat.
Strengthening taxonomy and plant health diagnostics across ASEAN
Southeast Asia is one of the world’s most biodiverse regions, yet this biodiversity is increasingly threatened by invasive pests, diseases and environmental pressures. Limited capacity in classification (taxonomy) and diagnostics of pests and diseases have further consequences on biodiversity conservation, compliance with international agreements and access to regional and global trade. For member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the ASEAN Network on Taxonomy (ASEANET) has been created to support ASEAN countries. The network aims to close gaps in taxonomy, diagnostics and phytosanitary systems. These efforts will help to strengthen plant health systems, improve pest identification and support safe agricultural trade across ASEAN. Through ASEANET, CABI’s role as Technical Secretariat will support ASEAN member states by coordinating the network, facilitating collaboration and supporting training and knowledge sharing.
BioSpace: Using space-enabled remote sensing for long term sustainable growth of biopesticide use
Pests and diseases cause significant losses of crops around the world and are a significant threat to food security. In China and Laos, locusts affect over two million hectares of agricultural land and recently, the fall armyworm is becoming prevalent in China and Southeast Asia, already affecting 35,000 hectares of maize in Laos. Due to a lack of detailed information on where risks to crops are greatest and farmers using inappropriate and ineffective control measures, managing the damage from pests can be problematic.