When the EPPO conference (European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organisation) on plant health diagnostics was held recently at the Food and Environment Research Agency in York, England, Forsite Diagnostics was pleased to be a sponsor.  The meeting attracted some 140 public and private sector diagnostics experts from all over the world with a programme spanning routine and novel diagnostic methods.

Presentations, including that given by Forsite’s Paul Meakin, on the use of Phytophthora tests in statutory monitoring, are available here.

Major interest at the conference was focused on a workshop exploring quality assurance for diagnostic laboratories.  Among the sessions on proficiency testing and implementation of quality management systems in diagnostic facilities was a small ring-test of three rapid tests for Ralstonia solanacearum.  The Pocket Diagnostic test was in competition with two others, and came out top.  Later this year a more substantial ring test will be performed on a European-wide basis.