FABI recently hosted the 12th IUFRO Working Party 7.02.09 conference, Phytophthora in Forests and Natural Ecosystems, held from 13-18 September, close to the beautiful town of Grabouw in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The meeting brought together researchers, forest pathologists and forest health specialists from many countries of the world to discuss recent advances and emerging challenges in Phytophthora research. Chaired by FABI andTree Protection Co-operative Programme (TPCP) team member Dr Tanay Bose and supported by the Working Party co-ordinators Dr Nari Williams and Dr Bruno Scanu, the conference was the first meeting of the IUFRO working party to be held in Africa. As such, it provided an important opportunity to showcase South African research and strengthen connections between local and international forest pathology communities.
The scientific programme featured plenary lectures by internationally recognised researchers Prof Clive Brasier and Prof Michael Seidl, alongside presentations spanning Phytophthora taxonomy, evolution, ecology, detection, biosecurity and disease management. Presentations highlighted challenges facing forest ecosystems across the globe, including kauri dieback in New Zealand and Phytophthora-associated declines in European forests, while South African research featured strongly throughout the programme.
FABI researchers presented work on Phytophthora databases and biosecurity, molecular and morphological identification resources, and the use of hyperspectral technology for the early detection of root rot in Eucalyptus. A combination of oral presentations, poster sessions and panel discussions provided opportunities for researchers from different disciplines and regions to exchange ideas and develop new collaborations. The conference also included a gala dinner and award ceremony, celebrating outstanding contributions to Phytophthora research and recognising the achievements of members of the working party. Importantly, Honorary Fellowship of the Working Party was awarded to Prof. Clive Brasier and Prof. Everett Hansen, recognising their pivotal role in Phytophthora research globally, and the fact that they were responsible for establishing the working party in 1997. By bringing the international Phytophthora research community to South Africa, the meeting highlighted FABI’s contribution to forest health research and the importance of international collaboration in addressing the growing threats posed by Phytophthora to forests, natural ecosystems and plantation forestry worldwide.