High Consequence Plant Pathogens

Threatening pathogens present a great concern since they can impact agriculture, economy, international trade and environmental diversity. Among the pathogens which cause increased agricultural and social concern are new or re-emerging pathogens. Most of the important agricultural crops have spread during the last two centuries outside their original environment all over the world. An immediate and parallel trend is the migration of pathogens which accompanies the international crop spread. Thus crops become more vulnerable to new disease in their new environment. Therefore, quarantine lists for non indigenous and high consequence pathogens are specified in each country. The compilation of such lists is aimed at minimizing the invasion of these specified pests and prevents their potential damage on the local agriculture. High consequence pathogens include mycotoxin-producing organisms, bunt and smut pathogens, foliar diseases, soilborne pathogens and forest diseases. These are classified mainly according to pest risk analysis, the type of threat, type of pathogens and the circle of impact.