 |
| Main Menu | News By Date | News By Supplier | News By Category | About Us |
|
OUT-SMARTING HITCH-HIKERS IN TIMBER
Pests hitch-hiking in timber being traded internationally could be in for a rocky ride if delegates at a Post Harvest Timber Forum have their way. Delegates from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, China and the United States will gather to discuss ways to move timber around the world without threatening the biosecurity of importing countries. They will also consider ways to encourage international research alliances on biosecurity issues of timber and timber packaging and the current status of timber treatment. “Timber can play host to many pests that could affect Australia’s unique biodiversity and our forest industries,” Dr Lonsdale said.The forum is being hosted by CSIRO Entomology and supported by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service and the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Deputy Chief of CSIRO Entomology Dr Mark Lonsdale, says: “Timber can play host to many pests that could affect Australia’s unique biodiversity and our forest industries. This forum will bring together scientists, policy managers and industry to discuss these and hopefully make life difficult for timber pests.” Dr Jonathan Banks, a former CSIRO Entomology scientist who will chair the forum, says speakers will cover a broad range of topics from replacements for the broad spectrum fumigant methyl bromide, which is being phased out, to tiny nematode worms in timber and pest risk assessments associated with import and export of timber.
|
| ©2008 New Materials International |