Arlington, Virginia
February 21, 2003

Speaking at the USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum, Dr. Jacqueline Fletcher, president of The American Phytopathological Society (APS), addressed concerns related to invasive plant pathogens and diseases by presenting a look at resources that are currently available and the need for additional investment in research and infrastructure to protect from both unintentional and intentional introductions of plant pathogens.

At the forum, which examined the current state of U.S. agriculture, Fletcher called for heightened surveillance, targeted research and increased laboratory and electronic capacity to protect agriculture.

Pathogens account for about 65 percent of American crop losses at a cost of $137 billion per year.

Fletcher discussed three cases studies including the current epidemics of Citrus Canker in Florida and Pierce's Disease of grapes, and the threat of the arrival of an exotic pathogen, such as Soybean Rust, as examples of the tremendous costs and threat that these agents can create.

"The strategy for preparedness must include coordination, early detection and rapid response," Fletcher said. New targeted research will provide new tools for detection, diagnostics and forensics that are vital to the protection for U.S. crops, she said.

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.