Trim 2

Summary

The transcript discusses recent developments in the global research efforts to manage fall armyworm (FAW), with updates from various countries, including Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Australia. Highlights include media exposure through interviews, collaborations with international institutions, and the opening of a PhD position for FAW-related research. Key topics covered are molecular studies, biological control strategies, and upcoming events such as webinars on pest management technologies. The transcript also emphasizes ongoing research on FAW genomics, monitoring systems, and pest management in different agricultural sectors.

Takeaways

• 😀 The research on Full Army Worm (FAW) has received significant media exposure, including mentions on ABC News and its website, highlighting the global collaboration on this issue.
• 😀 A new PhD position has been announced, focusing on population genomics and potential control options for Full Army Worm, with funding available for international applicants.
• 😀 Despite challenges in DNA quality, researchers have successfully extracted and sequenced 158 samples from multiple countries for Full Army Worm population genomics studies.
• 😀 Molecular diagnostics for pest control, including PCR and DNA extraction, are proving to be challenging for some countries, requiring standardized protocols across the research group.
• 😀 There is ongoing work in Bangladesh on biological control for Full Army Worm, with a focus on using native biological control agents. The Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) is heavily involved.
• 😀 Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Korea are actively working on pest management strategies, with a focus on both biological control and molecular studies to track pest populations.
• 😀 The collaboration with multiple international partners, including RDA and ACI, has helped increase visibility and drive further funding for the research on Full Army Worm control.
• 😀 Researchers are facing challenges in aligning testing protocols, such as the timing of Bt product assays, and are working towards improving consistency across countries.
• 😀 Upcoming field work will focus on pest damage assessment, with a particular interest in understanding the impact of Full Army Worm on crop yield and infestation levels across countries.
• 😀 A major goal is to standardize pest management protocols and diagnostics across countries, with further discussions planned to improve protocols and resources for testing biological control agents.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the research project discussed in the transcript?

The research project is focused on understanding and managing Full Army Worm (FAW) and other pest species, with an emphasis on population genomics, molecular diagnostics, and biological control methods.

What are the main challenges faced during the molecular diagnostics process?

The key challenges include varying quality of DNA samples, difficulties in PCR and DNA extraction in some labs, and the complexity of molecular diagnostics due to the diversity of pest species being studied.

What are the objectives for the population genomics analysis next year?

The objective is to analyze the genomic data from over 150 samples collected from multiple countries to gain insights into FAW populations, their genetic diversity, and potential control measures.

How are the research teams addressing issues with sequencing data?

The sequencing data is being analyzed for quality, and efforts are being made to resolve issues related to poor DNA quality. The teams plan to continue refining the analysis with input from various international partners.

What new opportunity has been announced for researchers in the project?

An industry-government funded PhD position has been announced for highly motivated students to focus on population genomics and biological control options for FAW, with the opportunity to increase the scope of research by sampling more populations.

How are the webinars contributing to the research project?

The webinars serve as a platform for knowledge sharing, with sessions focused on next-generation pest management technologies such as drones and digital Integrated Pest Management (IPM). They provide valuable insights and foster international collaboration.

What specific approach is being taken to test biological control agents like Bt products?

The research aims to standardize testing protocols for biological control agents, including Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) products, ensuring that testing is consistent across countries. There are discussions to refine protocols for testing specific insect stages and products.

What are the plans for further research in biological control of FAW?

Countries are exploring native biological control agents and studying their effectiveness against FAW. This includes research by institutes like the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, which is focusing on biological control for FAW management.

How is the project addressing issues of pest surveillance in participating countries?

The project is working to improve pest surveillance systems, including the use of drones for monitoring FAW populations and the development of early warning systems to track pest outbreaks. Collaborative efforts are aimed at refining these systems.

What key data is needed from the field research participants in the coming year?

Field research participants are asked to provide data on levels of FAW infestation, including the severity of damage and its impact on yield. This data is crucial for understanding the pest's economic impact and for comparing infestation levels across different countries.