OPEN ACCESS | Published on : 28-Feb-2026 | Pages: 64-78 | Doi : 10.37446/edibook162024 /64-78
Plant biosecurity employs a strategic socio-economic approach aiming the protection of natural and managed plant systems from alien as well as emerging indigenous pests and pathogens by the regulation of both intentional and unintentional introductions. Phytopathogens pose a substantial threat to the plant ecosystems by compromising their productivity, sustainability and biodiversity. Unwanted invasion of the phytopathogens has accelerated mostly with the exponential growth of international trade of ‘plants for planting’, as an externality cost of globalization. Several new records on deliberate introduction of pests and diseases have put forth the newest fear - ‘Agroterrorism’. In the rising background of potential biothreats, plant biosecurity system is the need of the era, demanding the perfect amalgamation of knowledge and efficient risk analysis tools like early detection, accurate diagnosis and rapid response, to minimise the subsequent impact. In this context, idea of the ‘Biosecurity continuum’ stands inevitable, stating the need of strategies starting from the offshore or pre-border zone, border zone upto the post-border area. Advances in the knowledge and research in plant pathology, are crucial for formulating these strategies. Fundamentals of biosecurity strategies lies in risk analysis, risk assessment and rapid response. Various diagnostic tools of phytopathology, like molecular methodologies, imaging technologies, specialized biosensors etc facilitate accurate, on-site diagnosis of disease. Whereas, need-based enforcement of legislations such as, issuing import permits, phytosanitary certificates, post entry quarantine, inspection at point of entry etc. can be upgraded by incorporation of the knowledge on the nature of potential phytopathogens, their host range etc.
Plant biosecurity, Phytopathogens, Diagnostic tools, Phytosanitary legislation
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