It is important that once it is
intercepted, a pest organism is identified immediately so that the right action
is taken by the authorities and by the public and businesses. Some organisms
are harmful, some are already known to be introduced and widespread in the
country or at EU level, but some might be found for the first time.
The identification of harmful organisms is
not always straightforward. To start with, some of the organisms that cause
damage to plants are very small or even microscopic, making the correct
identification with the naked eye difficult if not impossible. This is why the
Plant Protection Directorate (PPD) has the capacity to diagnose the cause of a
particular pest disease or disorder, by identifying the organism that is
causing it. Knowing which type of organism one is dealing with provides useful
insights about the behaviour and life cycle of that organism, and thus serves
as a guide for corrective, remedial or control action.
Among its facilities, the PPD has
well-equipped diagnostic laboratories in which it is possible to test samples
of plants and plant materials for the presence of plant pathogenic bacteria,
viruses, fungi, insects and nematodes. These tests are done in connection to
obligatory surveys such as those needed to maintain the protected zone status,
as well as in relation to other cases of interceptions.
In addition, the PPD is also equipped with
facilities for the testing of seeds. Depending on
the case and the context, some of these testing facilities may be used for
routine testing, special projects, or research and investigation activities.