The web-based Caribbean Pest Diagnostic Network (CPDN, previously known as CRDN) database provides a collaboration and communication tool for plant inspectors, scouts, consultants, extension personnel and diagnosticians to share information on plant pests. The system uses field data and digital media as tools for enhancement of diagnosis of plant disease, insect, weed, invasive species, plant management, physiology, and nutrient problems.Through interactions on the Internet between field personnel and diagnostician or experts, problems can be quickly communicated and assessed. Specialists around the world can perform diagnosis and identification and provide best management practice recommendations to the users. The archived CPDN database becomes a resource for research, educational programs, and classroom teaching.
The threat of pest and invasive species is real and has the potential to seriously damage our agriculture and food supply. The Web-based diagnostic system can be used as a tool to enhance the capacity for screening, monitoring, mapping pests in time and space, and quickly detecting existing or new high-consequence pests and dangerous plant pathogens.
Under the leadership of the CISWG and CARICOM Secretariat with equipment support from USDA-APHIS and training opportunities from University of Florida, and support from CARDI, University of Puerto Rico, IICA, and all CISWG member countries and organizations, CPDN has become active in the following countries or locations: Barbados, Cayman Islands, CARDI in Dominica, Dominican Republic, France (Martinique and Guadeloupe), Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and United States [USDA-APHIS, University of Florida IFAS (UF), University of Florida, University of Puerto Rico (UPR), and FAMU]. Colombia joined CISWG and the CPDN in 2011-2012.
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